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The Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) seized a massive haul of illegal wildlife parts worth RM36.8 million during a raid on a house in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru, on Saturday, 4 April
According to Malay Mail, the operation uncovered hundreds of exotic animal parts believed to be intended for the international illegal wildlife trade.
PERHILITAN director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said enforcement officers discovered 602 pieces of python bile, 420 pieces of bear bile, 107 compressed tiger parts, 135 compressed monkey parts, and 191 snake reproductive organs.
"The suspect, a Vietnamese national, failed to produce any valid permits from PERHILITAN to store these items," he said in a statement yesterday, 7 April.
All the seized wildlife parts were confiscated and taken to the Johor PERHILITAN office for further investigation
The total value of the seizure was later estimated to be RM36,842,325.
The case is being investigated under Sections 60 and 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) for possession of wildlife parts and derivatives without valid permits.
If convicted, offences involving protected wildlife carry penalties of up to RM50,000 in fines, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Stricter penalties apply to fully protected species such as tigers and bears. Under Subsection 68(2)(c), offenders may face fines of no less than RM150,000 for each part and jail terms of up to 15 years.
Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir warned individuals involved in illegal wildlife activities to stop immediately or face strict legal action
He also urged the public to continue assisting the authorities by providing information to help combat wildlife crime.
Members of the public can contact the PERHILITAN hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or submit reports through its official website.
