Drones, dark web used by wildlife traffickers in Malaysia

New Straits Times

13 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Wildlife trafficking syndicates in Malaysia are stepping up their game by using drones, dark web platforms, and modern weaponry to avoid detection, said a source from federal police.
The source from the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK), under the Internal Security and Public Order Department, said the groups are operating covertly and across borders, making enforcement more difficult despite ongoing operations.
"These syndicates are becoming more organised and technologically savvy.
"They monitor law enforcement movements using drones and carry out illegal activities silently," the source told Harian Metro.
He said investigations revealed that protected wildlife species are being sold through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram, using coded terms like "rare items" or "special items" to avoid detection.
"Transactions are often conducted using dummy accounts, making it difficult to trace financial trails and identify the culprits," he said.
The syndicates also smuggle wildlife products such as pangolin scales, turtle eggs, and exotic species by hiding them in courier parcels declared as ordinary goods.
The source cited the largest seizure to date as involving a full Malayan tiger skin, turned into a decorative trophy, with an estimated value of RM100,000.
"Tiger skin, pangolin scales, elephant ivory, and exotic animals are in high demand on the black market, especially in foreign countries for traditional medicine, luxury items, and status symbols," he was quoted as saying in a front-page report in Harian Metro today (July 1).
Malaysia has become a transit point for wildlife trafficking due to this demand, which is also fuelled by poverty among some locals who view poaching as a source of income.
"Limited resources, vast forest areas, and a lack of awareness on species conservation have hampered enforcement," the source said.
He said syndicates move in small groups and exploit hotspots where authorities are weakest.
Although the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act are in place, the effectiveness of enforcement remains a challenge.
"If enforcement is inconsistent and lacks preventive elements, existing penalties will not deter criminals," he said.
While no direct threats have been made against officers, the source warned that most poachers are armed and that operations are conducted with officers' safety as a top priority.
To address the growing threat, enforcement agencies have intensified joint operations through Op Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK), in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Customs Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
The government has also increased penalties, with offenders now facing up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to RM1 million for serious offences.
The bureau is also working with Interpol and foreign agencies to track and dismantle international smuggling syndicates. Meanwhile, enforcement is targeting exotic food outlets, black markets, and restaurants believed to store or sell protected species.
A public awareness campaign is being carried out through social media, including WCB/PSK's official TikTok account, encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity to the police or Perhilitan hotline.
"There will be no compromise. Anyone found promoting or engaging in illegal wildlife trade can be investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla), and the Communications and Multimedia Act," the source said.
To further strengthen efforts, the WCB/PSK has proposed the formation of an Inter-agency operation to synchronise enforcement under joint leadership and ensure all actions are monitored with proper checks and balances.