PETALING JAYA: Owning exotic pets can be an exhilarating experience for some; however, it is important to be aware that licences and permits are required for certain species of animals.
According to information from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) website, licences are mandatory for all activities involving protected wildlife listed under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Licences can be obtained in the state where the applicant resides.
The fee imposed also depends on the type of licence issued for the activity, which includes hunting, procuring, keeping, collecting, operating taxidermy businesses, importing, exporting or re-exporting protected wildlife, among others.
Under the First Schedule, among the animals listed are the Malayan porcupine and brush-tailed porcupine, as well as reptile species such as the reticulated python and various vipers. Numerous bird species are listed, too.
In addition to this, a special permit is required for all activities involving wildlife species that are fully protected under the Second Schedule of the Act.
Among the species listed here are civets, bearded pigs, various otter species and mongooses.
In Peninsular Malaysia, protected species also include those listed under the Third Schedule of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act.
In 2022, the Wildlife Conservation Act was amended to beef up penalties for non-compliance.
Under Section 60a, any person who takes or keeps any part or derivative of any controlled wildlife without a licence commits an offence.
Upon conviction, they are liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
Under Section 63, any person who carries out the business of dealing involving any protected wildlife or controlled wildlife without a licence also commits an offence.
An individual faces a fine ranging from RM30,000 to RM100,000, or imprisonment for a period of up to three years, or both.
Corporate bodies, meanwhile, are liable to a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
Amendments to Section 68 also state that anyone found hunting or keeping totally protected wildlife without a special permit is liable to a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM500,000.
