13 pangolins worth RM10,400 found hidden in car boot

In safe hands: Two out of the 13 pangolins seized held by marine polices.

MUAR: Thirteen pangolins, worth some RM10,400, were found stashed in blue sacks and hidden inside the car boot of a Proton Wira at Parit Jamil here.

Marine police were patrolling the shores of Parit Jamil at around 1.30am when they noticed a car parked at the beach area, said marine police Southern Region II commander Asst Comm Paul Khiu Khon Chiang.

“As my men approached the car, two male suspects ran out and escaped into the mangroves nearby,” he said here yesterday.

Police then inspected the car and found the pangolins, which are protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

“The 13 pangolins weighed about 4kg each and we believe that the animals could fetch some RM200 per kg in the market,” he said.

ACP Khiu said the animals were taken to the Muar marine police jetty.

The case has been handed over to the Johor Baru Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) for investigations as it involved exotic animals and wildlife, he added.