| James Kon |
TWO Bruneians are facing charges under Section 29 (c) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 of Malaysia which carries a penalty of jail term of up to two years and fine of RM25,000, if found guilty.
According to a report from Malaysia, the duo has been remanded in Miri since Friday to assist with investigations into the illegal trade of a clouded leopard.
The case of the totally protected animal, known scientifically as Neofelis Nebulosa, has been handed over to the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for further action.
The selling of the clouded leopard was discovered on social media.
“Subsequently, enforcement officers went undercover to further investigate the case. This was the first time such a case had been received by the FDS,” said an enforcement officer.
“The clouded leopard is still alive. It is believed that the animal originated from Brunei and was brought to Sarawak for sale at a price of RM20,000.”
The clouded leopard from Brunei on sale for RM20,000 on a social media platform.
He added that the duo will be brought to court soon.
In Brunei Darussalam, the clouded leopard is an endangered animal and is protected under the Brunei Wildlife Protection Act (1984), an Act to make provision for the protection of wildlife and for the establishment of wild life sanctuaries.
The General Provision for the Protection of Wildlife under chapter 102 among others states that no person shall hunt, kill or capture any protected animal otherwise than under and in accordance with the conditions of a licence issued under this Act. The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment for one year and a fine of $2,000.
The Act further states that no persons, other than the holder of an appropriate licence issued under this Act, shall sell or offer for sale or have in his possession any protected animal or any trophy or flesh thereof, unless the same has been lawfully acquired. The penalty for this offence is a prison sentence of six months and a fine of $1,000.
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