Tiger Butchered - Killer Goes Free

Originally posted on November 17, 2005

This letter was published in the News Straits Time and MalaysiaKini on 26th October 2005.

I would like 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 130million 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 slapped with a maximum punishment of 5 years in jail and fined RM15,000. Instead, he was merely fined a mere RM7,000 for the atrocious act. I urge the Public Prosecutor of Kelantan’s office to make an appeal to this case for a higher penalty.

Hok Bee Ter, the father of Ang Chun Tan, has publicly admitted the he indeed agreed and stored the butchered tiger for a sum of RM1,500 paid by the 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 towkay was due to pick up the butchered tiger later. I urge the authorities to investigate on this matter and press charges against these perpetrators.

**Enclosed with this was a petition letter to our beloved 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 the good people of Malaysia and abroad are concerned with the plight of our wildlife.