Malaysia hub for illegal wildlife trade
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Conservation group, Nature Alert, says that Malaysia remains a hub for the illegal wildlife trade, despite promises of a government clampdown. In an open letter, Nature Alert Chief Executive Sean Whyte said there is no evidence of the trade diminishing or any real efforts to combat the illegal practice. He also expressed concern of intensifying trading in the ecotourism area of Sabah. Whyte criticises the “clumsy” attempts at prosecuting perpetrators, alluding to a cover up attempt to in the case against illegal wildlife trader Anson Wong. Taiping Zoo was even found to illegally possess a variety of wildlife including, orangutans. This same zoo has previously been involved in the illegal importation of gorillas from Africa, for which it was never punished, said Whyte.