RM9m pangolin scales seized
> Two shipments intercepted two days apart originated from Ghana and Congo
KUALA LUMPUR: A huge shipment of pangolin scales worth RM9.12 million and weighing 712kg was seized by Customs at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in what is considered the country’s largest haul of the scales to date.
Customs enforcement director Datuk Paddy Abd Halim said the seizure was made following a tipoff, adding that the consignment had been brought into Malaysia via Congo and Ghana.
On May 2, eight gunny sacks of the scales, weighing 408kg were found. They were believed to have been on a flight from Accra in Ghana that had transited in Dubai.
Two days later, another 10 sacks weighing 304kg were discovered after travelling from Congo to Nairobi in Kenya and transiting in Dubai before arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
“We have yet to ascertain if the scales were meant for the domestic or overseas market.
“The delivery address they used was a fake company address in Nilai. So we are not sure, we are still investigating,” Paddy said.
Wildlife Department deputy director Rozidan Md Yasin said the scales could fetch anywhere between RM1,000 and RM1,500 per kilogramme in the local market.
“They can fetch a higher price in places like China.”
Pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals on earth. They comprise a huge volume of the entire wildlife black market.
Their scales, that are rich in keratine (the same substance as fingernails) are said to possess medicinal qualities such as curing cancer and malaria, although such claims have not been scientifically substantiated.
Import of pangolin scales requires a special permit.
Under Section 135 (1) (a) of the Customs Act 1967, those found guilty of illegally importing such items can be fined a maximum of 20 times the value of the items, or jailed three years, or both.
Meanwhile, KLIA Customs director Datuk Hamzah Sundang pledged a handsome cash reward for those who provide information on those responsible for the shipments.
This is the second time in as many months that shipments of illegal wildlife parts valued in the millions were seized.
In April, some RM13 million worth of rhinoceros horns were seized at KLIA.