1,162 pangolins rescued since 2014 from illegal trade

KUALA LUMPUR - Wildlife authorities have managed to foiled wildlife offenders from trading 1,162 pangolins from 2014 until last year.

Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said it is undeniable that some individuals are trying to import the endangered species abroad apart from selling it on the black market.

According to him, his department has detected persons or syndicates who were trying to smuggle the scales of the pangolins.

“It was evident after the Royal Malaysian Customs Department succeeded in confiscating 9,843.65 kg of pangolin scales since 2018.

“The value of a pangolin is estimated to reach US$1,000 (RM4,186) meanwhile its meat cost over AS$300/kg (RM1,255.80),” he told Sinar Harian.

He said apart from pangolin, other species such as elephant, tapir, Sambar deer, Sumatran serow, Malayan tiger and Malayan Gaurs were reported to be endangered due to illegal poaching and several other factors.

Abdul Kadir stressed that his department will continue the enforcement to combat any form of wildlife crime and protect the wildlife species in Malaysia from poaching and even from becoming extinct.

“Members of the public who have any information regarding the involvement of any parties in illegal poaching activities, please contact the relevant authorities,” he said.

Abdul Kadir also reiterated his department's commitment to combat wildlife crime.