MALAYSIA
NEEDS STIFFER PENALTIES
High Time for Review
November 1, 2005
The story of the butchered tiger has riled up a range of emotions but
what it has highlighted most is that current legislation needs review
to effectively protect endangered wildlife, such as tigers. Even though
the maximum fine of RM15,000 would hardly serve as a deterrent to illegal
wildlife traders and restaurants serving such exotic meat, it was nevertheless
shocking that the courts did not throw the book at the tiger butcher
of Kelantan.
The sentence is no more a deterent than the meagre fine imposed on snake
traders caught with their pants down with more than 200 pythons doomed
for the leather trade. In that case, the courts allowed the State Director
of Wildlife to tender the snakes for sale to the public. Despite protests,
the tender was concluded quickly and the snakes subsequently delivered
to the same people who were caught in the first place.
The Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry has since called
for a review of penalties in the Wild Life Act, which has not been reworked
since it was made law in 1972.
While the Ministry may believes the Act an insufficient deterrent to
poaching, Malaysians in general have become more vociferous against
the illegal trade of wildlife. Perhaps this more vocal public opinion
would provide the impetus to wildlife officials to take quicker steps
to make the necessary changes to laws governing the protection of wildlife.
What can we do? Zoo Melaka, for instance, receives all rescued or confiscated
tigers (and other wildlife). Most of these animals would probably never
see the wild again and would therefore see out the rest of their lives
at the zoo. Zoo Melaka could certainly use the financial assistance
of the public to care for such displaced animals. Corporations, for
example, could sponsor tigers at Zoo Melaka for as little as RM5,000
(far lower than what it actually costs to maintain a tiger annually)
and gain some publicity in the process. Individuals on the other hand
could sign up as Sahabat Zoo Melaka (Friends of Zoo Melaka)
where each Ringgit paid in fees would go towards the care of these animals.
Alternatively, Malaysians could contact the Department
of Wildlife and National Parks (Jabatan PERHILITAN) and
urge quicker changes to laws and penalties. The WIldlife Department
can be contacted at 10KM Jalan Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. While Malaysians
could also support conservation societies such as the Malaysian
Nature Society & WWF,
we believe that sponsorship programs at Zoo
Melaka, for instance, would see a more transparent and direct use
of funds towards the protection and rescue of wildlife in Malaysia.
For more news on tigers, visit The
Star or Animal
Planet
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NICKY
THE MALAYAN TIGRESS (& FRIENDS)
Saved, Lost, Found &
Doing Well
Updated October 31, 2005
Nicky, the tigress rescued by the Trade Commissioner to Papua New Guinea
has come a long way since she was rescued
by Datuk S.H. Foo. She has since gained her health and will be paired
up with one of two resident male tigers at Zoo Melaka.
Sadly, however, Nicky is not on exhibit at the zoo as the new Big Cat
Center is not yet ready for visitors. We expect the new facility to
be ready early next year, even though officials are hopeful for a year-end
opening.
Nicky, of course, has since been sponsored by the
Star, who are expected to sponsor the tiger for at least two years.
Other tigers sponsored at Zoo Melaka are Zanah-Tasha & Zanah-Katya,
who are sponsored by Asia Telecommunications
(M) Sdn Bhd–the Tiger of Telecommunications.
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