Smuggling attempt of pangolins, giant clams foiled
KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has foiled a smuggling attempt of pangolins and giant clams to a neighbouring country.
The agency seized five boxes containing frozen pangolins with an estimated weight of 100kg, 20 boxes containing frozen giant clams weighing about 500kg, as well as eight sacks of dried giant clams weighing more than 200kg.
Kudat Maritime zone director, maritime commander Hasbullah Omar, said a tip-off indicated suspicious activity off Malawali Strait.
"Acting on the tip-off, Patrol Boat KILAT 48 was dispatched to the location and detected an unlit boat about 1.8 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Layang-layang, Pitas.
"Upon inspection, there were no individuals on the boat, but further search revealed shocking items," he said in a statement, adding the raid was around 2am yesterday.
The boat and its valuable cargo, estimated to be worth over RM100,000, were seized and brought to the Kudat Marina Jetty for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and the Fisheries Act 1985 for attempting to smuggle endangered animal species and handling marine products without valid authorisation.
It is understood that all seized items were believed to be intended for a neighboring country with a high demand for exotic food and prohibited wildlife products.
In Sabah, the pangolin (Manis javanica) is a "totally protected" species under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
It is also listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
In 2019, Sabah recorded the largest pangolin bust involving the seizure of 30 tonnes of pangolins and pangolin products. It is learnt that this case has yet to have any legal action.
Pangolin poaching and illegal trade can lead to a fine of up to RM250,000 and a jail term of up to five years, or both.
Giant clams are ecologically important for coral reef ecosystems, playing roles as reef builders, habitat providers, and water filterers.
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