Harsher penalties send loud and clear message to smugglers

PETALING JAYA: Amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act have now come into force, allowing for stiffer penalties of up to a RM1mil fine and 15 years in jail for anyone caught smuggling protected wildlife.

The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said 44 provisions under the Act, which were amended and passed in Parliament in 2021, came into effect on Wednesday.