Illegal wildlife traders are now brazen enough to use Facebook accounts to run their operations.
Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has so far caught a seven illegal traders through its ‘Operasi Taring’ crackdown that began on Jan 2, The Star Online reports.
The animals seized — worth RM80,000 — were a altwater crocodile, juvenile eagles, a bear cub, a fox and a slow loris, among others.
“These are some of the main game players in the trade and we feel their arrest has weakened the link between the culprits in this illegal trade. Through these arrests, we will be able to control and eventually eradicate this growing trade which is being done via Facebook,” Perhilitan enforcement director Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim was quoted as saying.
If found guilty, these traders will be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for a maximum of three years, or both.
Abdul Kadir reminded animal lovers to contact Perhilitan via their website or call 1300-80-1010 or 1800-88-5151 if they have information on illegal wildlife trade.
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