‘Demand for exotic meat will worsen poaching’
KUANTAN: A growing demand for exotic dishes to be served during Hari Raya Aidilfitri will worsen poaching of fully-protected species in the state.
Among the sought-after wildlife that promises lucrative returns are the sambar deer, kijang (barking deer) and kambing gurun (serow).
Based on black market values, a kilogramme of sambar deer meat is priced between RM60 and RM80, with barking deer meat priced more than RM80 per kg. The price of serow meat will depend on the seller due to the difficulty hunting them.
It is learnt that the unique taste of these exotic meat and the uncommon practise of serving them during Hari Raya are among reasons behind the rising demand.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Ahmad Azhar Mohammed said the department was aware that more poachers would be on the prowl as Hari Raya neared.
“We see a rising trend in this illegal activity during festive seasons, such as Hari Raya, due to a growing demand from exotic meat lovers.
“Poachers will set up traps or shoot the animals.
“Illegal hunters know they can make quick money from such activities. If there is no demand or profit, they will not spend days in the jungle to track down and capture these animals,” he told the New Straits Times Press yesterday.
Azhar said poachers would enter forest areas that had been cleared and had access to the jungle to bring out their catch.
“Animals that occupy forest areas that have been cleared would leave their habitat to find food.
“Among hotspots that the department has identified in Pahang are Kemasul (Bentong), Tekai (Jerantut) and Berkelah (Kuantan).”
He said Perhilitan personnel were monitoring the hotspots to curb poaching.
He said the government had put in place a six-year moratorium since 2016 on the hunting of sambar deer, barking deer and
serow, and, if caught, cul[rits face a hefty punishment.
“Under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), those caught hunting or keeping fully-protected wildlife face a maximum penalty and a jail term of up to five years,” Azhar said.
“Those caught hunting protected species face a maximum RM50,000 fine and a jail term of up to two years under Section 60 of the same act.”