KUCHING: An NGO group, 1STOP Borneo Wildlife has lauded the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for recommending tougher mandatory penalty of whipping against criminals involved in wildlife offences.
The group’s founder, Shavez Cheema said enforcing tougher penalty was crucial to deter offenders.
“It is an effective way to teach a lesson to wildlife traffickers and people keeping animals illegally.
“We hope this will be applied not only to locals but also to international traffickers and poachers,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Reiterating his support for stricter enforcement, Shavez said it was about time for the authorities to look for alternative ways that are more sustainable.
“We need more public education apart from imposing higher penalties and stricter law to deter the culprits.
“For example, include a wildlife chapter in the school syllabus.
“A comprehensive effort also includes the role of media by highlighting the issues and giving wider coverage in news reporting,” he suggested, adding that raising awareness could break the cycle of supply and demand in fuelling wildlife trafficking.
He cited the demand for song birds, such as the White-crowned shama bird which offers a very lucrative market.
“Many people are keeping the bird as pet without having legal permit,” he commented.
