Man fined RM25,000 for having pangolins

A wildlife ranger releasing a seized pangolin back into the wild.

KOTA KINABALU: A man was slapped with a RM25,000 fine in default three years’ jail after he pleaded guilty to illegal possession of live pangolins and 900g of pangolin scales.

Abdullah Rappe, 56, pleaded guilty before Lahad Datu Sessions Court judge Zaini Fishir on Aug 18.

Abdullah was arrested during a roadblock mounted by the Sabah Wildlife Department at about 7.10am on Feb 20, where he was found with 24 live pangolins, a carcass, and a plastic full of pangolin’s internal organs along with 900g of scales.

The animal and other items were found inside the vehicle he was driving along the Sandakan-Lahad Datu road.

He paid the fine.

Sabah Wildlife Department director William Baya said pangolins were categorised as protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment (WCE) 1997.

“Our department is putting its efforts to upgrade this endangered species to Schedule 1 (Totally Protected) of WCE 1997, “ he said.

Meanwhile, all the live pangolins that were seized during the roadblock have been sent to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for immediate veterinary care.

A total of 20 pangolins were successfully released back to a forest reserve in Sabah.

“I am glad that the pangolins are now back in the wild and did not end up on someone’s dinner plate or used in traditional Chinese medicine,” Baya said.

Pangolins are deemed as an exotic delicacy among many whereas their parts including the scales are being used as medicine although there has been no proof of medicinal value as yet.