KUCHING: Sarawak plans to upgrade the pangolin's status to a totally protected animal under the state's Wildlife Protection Ordinance.
State Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) was in the process of finalising amendments to the Ordinance for the upgrading.
ALSO READ: Pangolin needs urgent protection
"Besides the pangolin (Manis javanica), several wildlife species will be upgraded from protected to totally protected animals, including the sun bear and wild cat," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly when winding up matters related to the ministry on Monday (Dec 1).
Pangolins are currently listed as protected animals under the Ordinance. Offences under the totally protected category carry heavier fines and jail terms.
Last week, Violet Yong (PH-Pending) urged the state government to strengthen legal protection for the pangolin – the world's most trafficked mammal – by listing it as a totally protected species.
ALSO READ: Bringing pangolins to life
She also called for enhanced enforcement against trafficking and for public awareness campaigns to dispel myths about pangolin scales.
"The pangolin is critically endangered worldwide, and Sarawak cannot afford inaction," she said when debating the state budget.
Len Talif said SFC and relevant agencies were carrying out enforcement operations using the latest technology, besides raising awareness through mainstream and social media.
"Enforcement operations are also conducted across international borders by stepping up collaboration with Indonesia and Brunei," he said.
ALSO READ: Local community must be heard before making Ulu Trusan a protected forest, says Ba'kelalan rep
On concerns raised by Baru Bian (GPS-Ba'Kelalan) about the proposed Ulu Trusan Protected Forest, Len Talif said the privileges of the local community to continue their traditional practices would be protected under the proposal.
He said the state Forest Department had conducted a briefing and dialogue in Lawas in October last year with local community leaders and government agencies about the proposal.
This was followed by an enquiry session into claims from Oct 23-31 this year in Long Sukang with 216 individuals from 22 villages in the proposed area.
"The affected community took note that the Ulu Trusan Protected Forest is still at the proposal stage.
"The proposed area of 120,845ha published in an initial gazette will be finalised after considering the views of all interested parties," he said.
Baru had urged the state government to consult the local community before gazetting the Ulu Trusan Protected Forest to address concerns that it would affect their native customary rights, livelihood and cultural heritage.
