ALOR SETAR, 27 OCTOBER, 2011: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) seized 449 various types of wildlife, believed to be for export, during a raid on a house at Kampung Kandis, Kodiang, about 40 kilometres from here, yesterday.
According to Kuala Lumpur Perhilitan enforcement officer Celescoriano Razond, a total of 302 Asian cobras (Naja Naja), 146 Malayan box turtles (Coura Amboinesis) and a long-tailed macaque (Macaca Fascicularis) were seized.
The seizure of the exotic animals was made in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), he told reporters at the Perhilitan office in Bukit Pinang, near here, today.
Celescoriano said the animals were found locked under the house owned by a Malay man in his 40s, as well as at the front and backyard of the house for the past three weeks.
"The exotic animals, owned by a Chinese man in his 30s, believed to be the employer of the Malay man, were kept temporarily to be sent overseas," he said, adding that the animals were bought by the Chinese man from local people in Perlis.
He said both men were detained at the Jitra Police station lock-up for further investigation.
Keeping the male Asian cobras, the male Malayan box turtles, and the long-tailed macaque is an offence and offenders could be charged under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act (Act 716), which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 and imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
Celescoriano said if the Asian cobras and Malayan box turtles were females, the offence comes under Section 62 of the same Act, which carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Resource article: Bernama
