FWD: Stronger deterrent needed against poachers

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This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)

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http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/1/13/focus/9835734 & sec=focus

 

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Thursday January 13, 2005

Stronger deterrent needed against poachers

 

 

DESPITE warnings by the authorities and efforts to crack down on the smuggling

of protected species out of the country, yet another appalling case has

happened, “Dept thwarts bid to smuggle out 190 anteaters,” (The Star, Jan 5).

 

Luckily this time, Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department rangers

acted fast enough to save the lives the anteaters in Rantau Panjang from the

cooking pots.

 

Poor anteaters! They are created to serve a purpose and have a specific role to

play.

 

Yet some people are greedy enough to make a quick profit out of them and do not

care whether anteaters will be wiped out from this earth for good.

 

This is certainly cause for concern.

 

In the recent past it was reported there was a factory in one of our northern

states processing exotic meat. It seemed the factory had been operating in a

jungle for more than two years.

 

These incidents show how vulnerable our wildlife is to poachers and traders who

are well organised and have an extensive network.

 

The authorities need to step up raids on restaurants and enforce stringent

Customs rules and set up checkpoints at land and sea exits.

 

Under the Wildlife Act 1972, those caught smuggling protected species are

liable to be charged in court and fined up to RM3,000 or jailed for two years if

found guilty.

 

The fine is very minimal compared with the profit that they make. This will

not deter the smugglers.

 

The authorities should revise and impose a stiffer fine of RM100,000 and above

and a jail term of at least 10 years to stop people from being involved in these

illegal activities.

 

 

 

K. YAM,

 

Kuala Lumpur.

 

(via e-mail)

 

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