The Malaysian Insight

POLICE have received information of VVIPs being involved in the illegal wildlife trade and poaching, said Abdul Hamid Bador

The inspector-general of police said the VVIPs were doing it as a hobby and had firearms.

“I am serious in this matter and once they (VVIPs) are identified, I will make sure that their firearms are seized, and if caught, they will not escape the prosecutorial processes.

“There is no need to hunt and poach exotic animals in today’s age; there is no need to consume mouse-deer and compete with the tigers for their food,” he said during a press conference in Bukit Aman today.

He said they had learnt of the VVIP involvement after a joint operation by the police, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), and the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia.

However, Hamid did not name any of the VVIPs involved.

He suggested making caning a mandatory punishment for those involved in poaching to serve as a deterrent and lesson.

“The existing punishments are too lenient. I have suggested that mandatory canning be included within the punishments so it can act as an effective deterrent to those looking to get involved.

The IGP said they are pushing for amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act (Act 716) which will see prison sentences be extended to 15 years from the current maximum of five years, and maximum fines increased from RM500,000 to RM1 million for those convicted. – October 30, 2019.