Dewan Rakyat approves harsher penalties to protect wildlife

PARLIAMENT | The government’s bill proposing amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), including harsher penalties, has been passed in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin Hassan had tabled the motion in the August House for its second reading this afternoon.

“After 10 years of Act 716’s implementation, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has identified several matters that need to be improved in Act 716, specifically those involving enforcement,” Takiyuddin said while tabling the motion in Parliament today.

The bill contains 63 amendments, the repeal of seven provisions and the introduction of five new provisions.

Among its scope includes the coordination and the strengthening of the penalties under the Act, such as three-year prison terms to qualify the crimes in the Act as a “catchable” offence.

Takiyuddin Hassan

Previously, the penalties under the Act were limited to jail terms between six months and two years.

The heaviest fine in the Act – reserved for the crime of poaching fully protected animals – has also been increased from RM500,000 to RM1 million.

Other amendments involved restrictions on promotional events and showcases of wildlife, the control of activities involving wildlife handling and services and the introduction of fee collection for activities in wildlife reserves, among others.

Takiyuddin had also earlier explained that the current scope of the Act is not in line with technological advancements in the past 10 years.

For example, there is currently no legislation dealing with individuals who advertise the illegal sale of wildlife online, he said.

The debate on the bill saw 22 MPs participating, with many saying it has been a long time coming as it is the first time the Act is being amended since its inception in 2010.

The bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat with a voice vote around 6.20pm today.

Earlier today, the Dewan Rakyat had also passed a separate bill proposing amendments to the Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (PIDM Act). - Mkini