PETALING JAYA: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has called on illegal wildlife owners to hand over their pets before they are caught.
Director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim (pic) said they are monitoring the movement of individuals who sell and possess wildlife illegally, especially those on social media portals.
“Perhilitan would like to urge wildlife owners who do not have a special permit to hand over the wildlife to the nearest Perhilitan office before they are subjected to any legal action,” he said.
Abdul Kadir added that they are currently working to prevent illegal wildlife sale by amending the Wildlife Conservation Act particularly in strengthening the legislation on online trade.
The amendment involves a ban on online wildlife advertisements, with an exception for licensed sellers with wildlife business permits.
However, they are required to declare their permits in their advertisements.
Abdul Kadir also urged the public to come forward and inform them of any illegal sale and possession of wildlife.
Tip-offs can be made via the Perhilitan hotline at 1800-88-5151, or reported directly to the nearest Perhilitan office.
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