Latest news with #Kalaivanan
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Animal rights groups call for action after lizards smuggled from India
KUALA LUMPUR: Animal welfare groups are calling for greater public awareness of the consequences of wildlife trafficking, following reports of a passenger smuggling two monitor lizards from Malaysia to India. They described the incident as an act of cruelty and stressed the urgent need for stronger enforcement and better public understanding of the impact of such crimes. Malaysia Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika said the authorities must better educate the public and traders on the proper procedures for obtaining licences for exotic animals, to prevent illegal smuggling. He said the individual involved could face charges under two provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Peninsular Malaysia), for smuggling and animal cruelty. He added that those who deal with or trade in wildlife need to ensure all activities are carried out lawfully, to avoid breaching both local and international laws. "The issue now is that by breaking the law, it's not just our domestic regulations that are violated, but international implications are involved as well, and this ultimately harms the image and credibility of the government," he told the New Straits Times today. These comments come after Indian customs officials intercepted a passenger arriving at Tiruchirappalli International Airport from Kuala Lumpur with two monitor lizards hidden in his checked baggage. Photos released by authorities showed the two reptiles with their mouths and limbs tightly bound and wrapped in black cloth. Meanwhile, the Stray Animal Association of Malaysia president R. Kalaivanan said public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness of the environmental and legal consequences of trafficking. He said transporting them in confined and unnatural conditions cause extreme suffering, stress, and often death. Kalaivanan said the association strongly opposes such inhumane acts and remains committed to protecting vulnerable wildlife from exploitation. "It is imperative that authorities and airlines take immediate and comprehensive actions to prevent wildlife trafficking. "We urge for the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and stronger inspection protocols at all entry points, and staff must be thoroughly trained to identify and report suspicious activities, with heightened vigilance during peak travel periods," he said. Kalaivanan said the association is also committed to working with local and international agencies to push for policy reforms that prioritise wildlife protection at all levels. Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim had said they have yet to receive any reports on the smuggling.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Animal lovers outraged as man spray-paints monkey
KUALA LUMPUR: Two viral video clips circulating on social media showing a man spray-painting a monkey have sparked anger from animal lovers. In the clips, purportedly filmed in a residential area in Sungai Buloh, the monkey can be seen struggling in a cage as paint is sprayed on its body. The Stray Animal Association of Malaysia (SAFM) president, R. Kalaivanan, condemned the man in the video and called for action to be taken against him. "SAFM urges witnesses to step forward and lodge a report with the police and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) so that action can be taken," he said in a statement. Kalaivanan said SAFM also wants Perhilitan to investigate the matter and take swift action. He said that under Section 86 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, the perpetrator can be fined up to RM50,000, jailed for up to a year, or both, if convicted. "There is no room for cruelty against wildlife, and we will continue to monitor the development of this case," he said. Many social media users condemned the man's actions, describing them as a form of abuse and calling on the authorities to rescue the monkey before more harm comes to it.
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- New Indian Express
US doctor detained at Puducherry airport for carrying satellite phone
Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order), Kalaivanan, said, 'A case has been registered under Section 42(3)(d) of the Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023. The satellite phone has been seized, and the individual has been served a notice. She is being interrogated.' According to sources, a joint team comprising officials from the Intelligence Bureau, Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Sigma Security, and the Special Branch has begun questioning the doctor. Dr Scott is also reported to have visited other undisclosed locations during her trip to India, sources added. The US Embassy's travel advisory for India also warns against carrying satellite phones into the country, noting that such devices are strictly regulated. Further investigation is underway to determine the purpose of the satellite phone and the full extent of the doctor's travel within India.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Three on bike: 13-year-old dies after ramming median
Chennai: A 13-year-old boy died after the bike he was riding crashed into a median at Malayambakkam near Poonamallee on Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road on Monday night. The deceased boy's two friends, aged 10 years, who were riding pillion, suffered serious injuries and are recovering at a private said Priyan, a Class VII student of a private school in Nazarethpet, took the bike of his father Kalaivanan, a 39-year-old cab driver who was out of town on work, picked up his friends Karthikeyan and Mukilan and rode along Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road. None of the three was wearing a helmet. While riding at high speed near Malayambakkam, Priyan lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. The impact threw all three boys from the vehicle, leaving them with severe injuries. A few passersby sent them to the govt hospital in Poonamallee where doctors declared Priyan dead on arrival. The two injured boys were later referred to a private hospital where they are undergoing treatment for multiple injuries. The Avadi traffic investigation wing registered a case. Police statistics show that in the past four months, five people were killed and 22 others injured in road accidents caused by minors driving vehicles in Chennai city. Under the amended Motor Vehicles Rules introduced in Chennai in 2022, parents can face up to three years in jail and a fine of 25,000 if their children are found to be involved in an accident. At least 12 parents have been arrested for permitting their children to operate Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents involving underage drivers in the country last year. Of the 11,890 such accidents reported across states and Union territories in 2023–24, Tamil Nadu accounted for the most, with as many as 2,063 cases.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Penang govt urged to resolve land crisis of animal shelter
PETALING JAYA: The Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) has urged the state government to step in and resolve the land crisis threatening the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang. The non-profit shelter recently revealed via Facebook that the landowner intends to sell the property and has given the organisation until the end of next month to decide whether it can buy the land for RM2.2 million. SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran warned that with over 700 dogs in 4PAWS's care, the looming eviction poses a critical risk, potentially forcing the animals back onto the streets. It has issued an urgent appeal, calling on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to immediately allocate permanent land to secure the shelter's future. 'Without government intervention, the fate of the rescued animals remains uncertain. These dogs are not just numbers – they are lives that have been saved from the streets and deserve safe, permanent homes. 'The state government must act now to prevent further harm to these animals,' said Kalaivanan. He expressed concern that the shelter's closure would disrupt the lives of the dogs that rely on 4PAWS for daily care and protection. 'The issue of land insecurity is not unique to 4PAWS. As urbanisation accelerates, many animal shelters across Malaysia are being displaced to make way for development.' He stressed that the lack of long-term land security is a growing challenge for animal welfare NGOs, many of which are struggling to provide care for the country's rising stray population. SAFM is calling for a dedicated support framework for such organisations, and urging state and federal governments to offer sustainable, long-term land or shelter solutions. 'Without stable premises, shelters face constant threats of eviction, which limit their ability to continue rescuing and caring for animals,' said Kalaivanan. SAFM has extended a call to other NGOs, the public and corporate players to unite in a collective appeal to the state government. Kalaivanan said immediate action is essential to avoid forcing hundreds of animals back onto the streets. 'A swift and decisive intervention from the Penang government is critical to ensure a permanent solution for 4PAWS. 'It is not only about the welfare of the animals; it is about reducing public nuisance and managing stray populations more effectively.' SAFM highlighted the key role that corporate support could play. Companies are encouraged to integrate animal welfare into their corporate social responsibility strategies, helping shelters sustain operations and rescue efforts. SAFM is also urging Malaysians to step forward, whether through donations, volunteering or advocacy, to support shelters in continuing their essential mission. 'The role of the community is crucial in ensuring these animals get the protection and care they deserve,' said Kalaivanan. 4PAWS founder Barbara Janssen voiced concern over the shelter's uncertain future. 'There are few locations that could accommodate the number of dogs we house. The heartbreaking reality is that we may be forced to release some or even all of them back onto the streets.' Despite fundraising efforts, the shelter has only managed to raise RM60,000 through public donations. 'This has been our home for 15 years. Relocating would be extremely difficult. Our fate lies in the hands of the community.'
