Close to three tonnes of pangolin scales went up in flames on December 6th in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, as authorities incinerated several illegal shipments seized in 2017—a record year for pangolin scale seizures in Malaysia.
In Malaysia, cruelty cases towards dogs and cats are on the rise, despite the passing of the 2017 Animal Welfare Act, due in large part to a lack of enforcement. Even in shocking cases of deliberate cruelty, many abusers are not charged with a crime.
Friends of the Earth Malaysia calls for improvements in how Malaysia’s authorities respond to wildlife crimes. Malaysia is one of the top ten smuggling hubs in its region, and several factors converge to enable the illegal wildlife trade to continue to thrive in the country.
Crocodiles are subjected to abhorrent treatment by mobs, whose only intention is to annihilate the creatures out of severe hatred. This appalling and immoral behavior is nothing but a violent slaughter, motivated by the pursuit of glory and revenge.
Two new foreign predatory fish have been discovered in Malaysian waters. Shifting fish species around, whether for commercial fishing stock or the aquarium trade, creates the potential for ecological disasters.
Serious questions need to be raised immediately about how an adult chimp managed to escape from a zoo in Malaysia, and why she was shot dead instead of being subdued humanely.
People and the public need to be educated of the dangers and outcomes of keeping primates as pets. Where did they come from? How did they end up in the pet shop? Once they are a grown adult, will you still be able and willing to take care of them?