KUCHING: Sarawak plans to upgrade the status of pangolins to totally protected animals 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.
“Besides the pangolin, 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 while winding up matters related to the ministry yesterday.
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.
She also called for better enforcement against trafficking and public awareness campaigns to dismantle 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 that the 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 added.
On concerns raised by Baru Bian (GPS-Ba’Kelalan) about the proposed Ulu Trusan Protected Forest, Len Talif said it would not erode the local community’s privileges to continue their traditional practices.
He said the state Forestry Department had conducted a briefing and dialogue in Lawas on Oct 16 last year with local community leaders and government agencies about the proposal.
This was followed by a claims enquiry session in Long Sukang on Oct 23 to 31 this year with 216 individuals from 22 villages in the proposed area.
“They were informed that the Ulu Trusan Protected Forest is still at the proposal stage.
“The proposed area of 120,845ha published in a preliminary 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 protected forest to address concerns that it would affect their native customary rights, livelihoods and cultural heritage.
