JOHOR BARU: Wildlife authorities have uncovered a stash of wild animal parts such as snake and bear bile sacs worth over RM36.8mil at a house in Taman Johor Jaya here.
Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said they raided the residential unit last Saturday (April 4), where inspections were conducted together with a Vietnamese man who was occupying the house.
“Checks led to the discovery of various wildlife parts, including 602 suspected python bile sacs, 420 suspected bear bile sacs, 107 compressed pieces believed to be parts of tigers, 135 compressed pieces suspected to be from primates and 191 sticks believed to be parts of python reproductive organs.
“The Vietnamese suspect failed to produce any valid documents from Perhilitan to possess the wildlife parts,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 7).
Abdul Kadir said all the items were seized and brought to the Johor Perhilitan office for further action.
“Individuals involved in storing or engaging in wildlife crimes to stop such activities or face strict legal action,” he said.
He added that the case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) for possession of wildlife parts without valid permits under Section 60 and Section 68.
Upon conviction, offences involving protected wildlife under Section 60 carry a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
For fully protected wildlife under Section 68, offenders may face a fine of not less than RM50,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
He also urged the public to continue supporting enforcement efforts by acting as the department’s eyes and ears in combating wildlife crime.
Information can be channelled via the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or through the Public Complaints Management System on its official website.
