I WOULD like to praise our Government for reacting positively to the seriousness of wildlife poaching and trading in our country.

The proposal of mandatory jail sentences, whipping, enhanced jail terms and heavier fines is definitely the first step in the right direction in a long journey to conserving and protecting our precious inheritance - the flora and fauna of our 130 million year-old rainforest.
 

Nevertheless, the lack of heavier penalties in the current Wildlife Protection Act 1972 should not hamper justice from being served.

According to the current wildlife protection laws, Ang Chun Tan could have been punished with a maximum sentence of five years' jail and fined RM15,000. Instead, he was merely fined RM7,000. I urge the Kelantan Public Prosecutor's office to make an appeal seeking a higher penalty.
 

Hok Bee Ter, the father of Ang Chun Tan, has publicly admitted that he had agreed and stored the butchered tiger for a sum of RM1,500 paid by alleged Thai poachers.

An illegal transaction has been admitted and made public. Again, I urge the Public Prosecutor's office to open a fresh case against Hok.

The carcass was left with Hok by the very same poachers whom he claimed to be "hunter friends" from Jeli.

Apparently, a Thai tauke was due to pick up the butchered tiger later.

I urge the authorities to investigate and press charges against these perpetrators. A group of us is sending a petition to the Prime Minister, urging the Government to increase enforcement of anti-poaching laws and stiffer punishment.

There are 123 names supporting the petition letter - a very positive sign that many are concerned with the plight of our wildlife.