Putting a stop to ivory trade

Suspects from a Vietnamese wildlife trade gang were caught draped in tens of thousands of Ringgit worth of ivory jewelery during a raid

MALAYSIA’S national legislation on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), namely the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Intesa), was passed almost a decade ago. Since then, Intesa has been lauded for providing stringent penalties on various illegal trans-boundary wildlife trade-related offences.

In general, any import, export, re-export, possession or transit of wild animal or plant species listed in Intesa must be accompanied by a permit or other written document which approves such transactions. This permit or document is granted by the relevant national authorities of importing or exporting countries. Generally, individuals who commit offences under Intesa are liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 for each animal, plant, or recognisable part and derivative of the animal or plant upon conviction. Offenders can also be imprisoned for a term of not more than seven years.