DENGKIL, March 9 — The Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Ministry yesterday disclosed that 4,040 wildlife crime cases were recorded between 2011 and last year, which further contributed to the decimation of wildlife in the country.
Hunting, smuggling of animals’ body parts for medicinal purposes and poaching were among the leading offences reported over the four-year period.
Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the extinction of wildlife in the country was worrying to say the least given the high number of cases reported.
“We have initiated a wildlife forensic study which will help us determine the reasons behind certain species on the brink of extinction.
“The lead agency carrying out the research is the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), along with other agencies.”
Wan Junaidi said based on the initial research and study, a new trend has emerged where online trading of wildlife was becoming popular, making it difficult for the authorities to trace the syndicates behind the illicit trade.
“There are many unscrupulous individuals and groups looking to make fast money from selling rare and exotic animals,” he said.
Wan Junaidi urged those involved to mend their ways and stop buying and selling wildlife illegally on the black market.
“Please do not contribute towards the extinction of wildlife in our country. Instead, help us by protecting wildlife, especially the endangered species.”
He added that several policies and plans for the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitats have been put in place by the government, though he did not elaborate.
Wan Junaidi said the ministry was looking forward to building viaducts as safe crossings for wildlife following the unprecedented series of events that sadly resulted in the deaths of tigers this year due to road accidents and poaching.
“Such structures will help maintain connectivity between habitats and ensure natural corridors are continuously available for large mammals to roam freely as they search and hunt for food,” he said.
He also announced that Malaysia had renewed its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.
In a concerted effort to address and curb issues which endanger wildlife in Malaysia, Perhilitan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with seven local universities and non-governmental agencies, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, Malaysian Nature Society, World Wildlife Fund, WWF-Malaysia, Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers, and TRAFFIC Southeast Malaysia.
On February 5, a Malayan tiger was killed as it crossing the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 by a Kuala Terengganu-bound van.
After a post-mortem, Perhilitan subsequently reported that the tiger was pregnant, and the cause of death was due to massive internal injuries sustained during the accident.
Wan Junaidi also said that the ministry would pursue efforts to increase the population of endangered animals in the country by seeking India’s expertise in tiger conservation.
According to him, Perhilitan will be working with their counterparts from India in tiger conservation. He will also be attending a convention in India next month on tiger conservation. He hopes the Indian experts can help to increase the number of this endangered big cats which is on the brink of extinction.
“In exchange, Malaysia can impart valuable knowledge to our Indian counterparts on tapir conversation.”
Wan Junaidi also lamented that besides poaching and illegal wildlife trading, the use of animal snares by the Orang Asli contributed to the dwindling number of tigers in Malaysia.
The minister said the Orang Asli Department should help the ministry to educate the Orang Asli against the use of snares to avoid unnecessary deaths of endangered animals.
