NGOs: Enact wildlife laws quickly

Dec 17, 2009
Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: As the Year of the Tiger approaches, impassioned calls are being made to the government to sharpen its legal claws for greater protection of wildlife.

Already, three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for a stronger and more comprehensive wildlife law.

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWFMalaysia want the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 to be amended at the next Parliament session.

In a joint statement yesterday they noted that the legislation, meant to protect wildlife against domestic threats like poaching, had failed to be a deterrent.

Instead, the legislation continued to allow wildlife criminals to escape justice, it said.

Nevertheless, the statement acknowledged that the government had addressed part of the problem, with the coming into force of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 in a week’s time.

“However, Malaysia also needs a strong legislation to combat wildlife crimes that occur inside the country.

“Amending the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 must be made a priority if our wildlife is to stand a chance,” said MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong in the statement.

Meanwhile, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia acting director Chris R. Shepherd said only powerful tools such as strong legislation could enable the authorities to combat wildlife crimes effectively.

The three organisations urged the government not to delay the tabling of the law any further and hoped that all parties would give it the support it sorely needed. — Bernama

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Calls for tougher wildlife law
Alyaa Alhadjri
Sun2surf

PETALING JAYA (Dec 16, 2009): Wildlife organisations have called for the amendments to the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 to be passed at the next meeting of Parliament to ensure tougher measures to combat wildlife crimes in the country.

The campaign, led by Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia, has received the support of 56,062 people from 161 countries.

Current legislation is considered inadequate for defending wildlife against domestic threats like poaching, and wildlife criminals continue to escape justice.

Part of the problem is being addressed with the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 which will come into force in a week’s time.

"This new law, which governs the import and export of wildlife, is timely. However, Malaysia also needs a strong legislation to combat wildlife crime that occurs inside the country," MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong said.

"Therefore, amending the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 (Act 76) must be made a priority if our wildlife is to stand a chance," said Loh.

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia acting director Chris R, Shepherd said only with strong legislation will authorities be able to effectively combat wildlife crimes.