The Orang Asli community in Malaysia has long been allowed to hunt certain animals in the jungle for their own consumption. However, this practice has led to a concerning trend of manipulation by unscrupulous traders who exploit the Orang Asli to hunt endangered and wildlife species for profit. Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim has expressed his concerns over this issue, stating that despite knowing it is illegal to catch wildlife for business purposes, the Orang Asli continue to engage in these activities.
According to Abdul Kadir, the Orang Asli are permitted to consume certain protected animals but are not allowed to sell them. Unfortunately, outsiders take advantage of this loophole and manipulate the Orang Asli into hunting and selling these animals for financial gain. This exploitation has been reported in various areas with Orang Asli populations, including Pahang, Perak, and other regions. Illegal traders target specific animal species or birds, offering small fees to the Orang Asli to carry out the hunting on their behalf.
In response to these issues, Perhilitan has implemented various measures to address the exploitation of flora and fauna through strict enforcement. One such initiative is the Joint Khazanah Operation (Ops Bersepadu Khazanah), which aims to prevent poaching activities through coordinated efforts with other agencies. Additionally, Perhilitan has been conducting awareness campaigns in Orang Asli settlements, providing education on the consequences of poaching and encouraging community members to report any illegal activities.
To further combat wildlife poaching, the police have also been actively involved in seizing and revoking firearm licenses of individuals involved in illegal hunting activities. Since 2020, over 1,010 firearm licenses have been revoked, with recent cases in Gua Musang, Kelantan, where licenses were withdrawn from individuals identified in connection with wildlife poaching.
In conclusion, the exploitation of the Orang Asli for illegal wildlife trade is a serious issue that requires collaborative efforts from government agencies, law enforcement, and community members to address. By raising awareness, enforcing strict regulations, and providing support to vulnerable communities, we can work towards protecting endangered species and preserving Malaysia’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
