Our dubious honour in wildlife crimes


WILDLIFE smuggling is now the fourth largest transnational organised crime, after drugs, weapons and human trafficking, and Malaysia is gaining infamy for being a key hub in the network.

The sordid trade in live exotic animals and parts of animals is run by at least 12 well-organised criminal cartels operating from countries in Africa and Asia. These criminals are believed to be raking in between US$7bil (RM32.5bil) and US$23bil (RM106.9bil) yearly.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Columnists

Covid, babies and the bedroom: five years on
Far more than just a pledge
Flying the Jalur Gemilang high abroad
A purposeful summit?
Nimble footwork, ponderous steps
Banking in the AI age needs more than speed
‘MB crisis’ averted in Selangor
Punctured pride, prompt patrols
Tourism players must rethink their approach
The Erosion of Restraint in the Taiwan Strait

Others Also Read