S’porean Sentenced to 7 Days in Jail & RM80k Fine for Trying to Smuggle Macaws into M’sia

A Singaporean is facing Malaysian law after being found to have tried to smuggle in macaws into our country.

The poor animals were found to be cramped into small boxes for transport.

Taking to their Facebook page, Jabatan PERHILITAN Semenanjung Malaysia shared that the authorities had discovered the Singaporean in the act while conducting inspections on vehicles at the Immigration Department Of Malaysia, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar.

They wrote, “On May 31 (Wednesday), 2023, the Johor State Department of Health and Welfare; in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, carried out inspections and searches on vehicles owned by Singaporean citizens at the Malaysia Entry Car Inspection Lane, Counter 8, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Johor Bahru, Johor.”

“As a result of the search and inspection, enforcement officers have found the following wild animals.”

They discovered:

• 4 Fig Parrots
• 3 Blue and Gold Macaws
• 3 Scarlet Macaws
• 1 Yellow-headed Amazon bird

Action was swiftly taken against the Singaporean. 

“The individual did not have any valid documents or permits from the Department of Wildlife to own the animals.”

“The case was brought to the Johor Bahru Sessions Court on June 7 (Wednesday) and they were sentenced to a fine of RM80,000 and 7 days in prison from the date of the arrest. The offense (was committed) under Section 60(1) of the Wildlife Conservation (amendment) Act 2022 [Act A1646] and section 68(1) of the Wildlife Conservation (amendment) Act 2022 [Act A1646],” they added.

Macaws are considered endangered and several species of them have already gone extinct. Hence, their lives should be treated with the utmost respect for the sake of conservation.

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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