Application of the Wildlife Conservation 2010 (Act 716): The Malaysian Experience

Abstract

This article examines offences committed by persons or entities under the Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. The problem is that although there is already legislation being currently enforced yet offences on animals and wildlife is on the rise in Malaysia. Among the common offences are wildlife smuggling, sale of unlawfully hunted wildlife, hunting without permit, unlawful delivery of wildlife using courier services and keeping or using protected animals without authorization which is the more rampant of the offences. This paper discusses the rationale for the 2010 Act, licensing and permit requirements and the types of offences committed under the Act. The article also explores the charges levied against parties violating the Act and penalties imposed. The conclusion that can be made from this paper is that offences committed under the 2010 Act were quite rampant as showed in the tables.