Two Vietnamese detained for hunting serows

PETALING JAYA: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) detained two Vietnamese men in Genting Highlands for hunting the Sumatran serow, the only wild goat species found in the country.

In a statement, the department said it carried out a raid on a workers quarters on April 16 in Genting Highlands and found a snare, the body parts of a serow, as well as parts of wild boars.

The two men were detained to help in investigations because they were in possession of the snare and animal body parts without a Perhilitan license or permit.

The case is being investigated under Section 29, Section 60 and Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010

Under this act, those found guilty can be fined of up to RM500,000 and jailed for up to five years.

The department warned that any individuals, local or foreign, who kept wildlife without the permission of Perhilitan to stop doing so or face legal action.

The protected serow, a mountain goat-like animal, is sought for its reputed ability to cure illnesses, heal relationships, boost confidence and even as a “tool for supernatural battles”.

The serow is found in Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand and Sumatra, Indonesia, and is targeted for its meat, horns, head and skin, despite the total ban on hunting it here.

It is classified as “vulnerable to extinction” in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).