LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
IT’S TIME WE PASS THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ACT
As a concerned citizen, I urge our elected representatives to vote for the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which is currently being debated in Parliament, to be passed without delay.
The replacement of the outdated Wildlife Protection Act 1972 with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 would be a timely and necessary move. Giving the new Act statutory footing would mean stiffer penalties for poaching and other wildlife crimes. In addition, the new Act would endow enforcement agencies with the power to monitor wildlife displays and wildlife in captivity. Cruelty to wildlife would also finally be recognized as a criminal offence. The new Act further extends protection to more species, including arachnids, amphibians and gastropods, which are also vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.
Malaysia currently has the insalubrious reputation as a hub for the illegal wildlife trade. The outdated 1972 Act is riddled with loopholes and deficiencies and does not do enough to halt or deter the rampant poaching and smuggling of wildlife in Malaysia, as its penalties are derisory. Enforcement agencies find themselves handicapped due to a lack of manpower and resources and the absence political will of those in power.
Legislators must take immediate steps to safeguard our fast-vanishing natural heritage. The enactment, implementation and enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 would increase the ability and authority of enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders and offer a better measure of protection for Malaysia’s wildlife than the existing laws.
Malaysia’s commitments towards protecting endangered species and achieving biodiversity targets are guided by the National Policy on Biological Diversity launched in 1998. Enacting the Wildlife Conservation Act would be a critical step towards reducing species loss and managing and improving biodiversity in Malaysia.
WONG EE LYNN
PETALING JAYA
13 comments:
I wish they would AND enforce the act but as the wildlife department are hand in glove with poachers and traffickers, and our politicians are only interested in $$$, I don't think much will change - until the govt changes.
Sadly, I have to agree with Au and Target, dear. The Act will get enacted, but I think little will change despite this.
I wish things were different. But, I know that this is how it's going to stay until we get out heads out of the sand, and start thinking about others instead of just 'me-me-me' all the time.
CO78,
On behalf of all animals in the world, wild or otherwise, we support you. Humans are supposed to protect other living beings on this earth but.... Oh well, don't they give medals for those who kill their own kind? har har har *sad laughs*
Thank you, dear Ellen and Pat.
I think we should focus on passing the Act first, and then work on enforcement. I agree that we need to get rid of the current regime. Those in charge of protecting our wildlife and forests are too corrupt and too self-serving to be able to perform their duties. That's where our votes come in. Let's vote for transparency, accountability and justice.
Dear Kitties-in-Sydney,
Another wise observation from you! But you see, to people in battle, their opponents aren't their 'own kind'. The people they kill are "gooks", "towelheads", "infidels" and "enemies of the state". Not deserving of human status.
Let's focus on getting the Act out first. Then civil society groups can try to monitor implementation and enforcement. Without an Act, we can't even talk about enforcement, no? We need the mandate for this, and the Act would provide us with the mandate.
Wishing you success in your campaign to have the Wildlife Conservation Act passed, and subsequently, enforced.
Thank you for your support, as always, dear Louis. Yes, passing the Act would be the most important first step in protecting wildlife. Without the legal leverage, civil society groups, whistle-blowers and enforcement agencies can't do anything.
What a well thought out and presented letter. I am keeping my paws crossed that they do pass the Act. Part of me is very much in agreement with Au and Target... I can ONLY HOPE much like you that passing the Act would give Dept. of Wildlife the hard copy print (for LACK of a better word) to allow them to ENFORCE the rules and take a hard stand against poachers and traffickers. Something has to change and soon ---or else I fear for the animals it will be too little too late....
Always enjoy your blog..Woof!
-Mutt
The time is NOW for the Act to be passed. Let the animals breathe easy and live in peace. Traffickers, poachers- out of the way!!
Dear Mutt and Keats,
Thank you so much for your support! I wish you two were in Parliament instead of some of the goons we currently have. Yes, much of Malaysian wildlife, including birds and fish, are facing extinction in the next 20 - 50 years. We cannot afford to lose any more species.
You know, it is SSOOOOO interesting that you should speak of poaching......
And why is it interesting, Major? If you've witnessed any instances of wildlife poaching, you can call our Wildlife Crime Hotline anytime.
It's water under the bridge. It would take an evening of Caramel Machiato to relate the tale. But suffice to say that the poacher has met justice the way no man could ever orchestrae equally to His mastery.
Condolences over your recent loss.
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