Malaysia’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks has seized suspected rhino horns weighing around 116 kilograms at Kuala Lumpur airport, SBS reported on Tuesday.
Malaysia case is being investigated under the International Trade Act on Endangered Species for exporting without a permit. On August 13, the seizure of 50 pieces of the suspected horn was made by Malaysia’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks at Kuala Lumpur airport. The total weight of the confiscated rhino horns is about 116 kilograms.
An official statement released on Monday based on information received from the Malaysian customs department. In addition to those 50 pieces of horns, nine carcasses of wild animals weighing a total of about 200 kilograms were seized.
After the official investigation was started by the International Trade Act on Endangered Species, the offenders could also face up to seven years in prison. Under Malaysian law, the fine for illegally exporting animal parts is 100,000 ringgit for each part, up to a maximum of 1 million ringgit.
An ITAES is going to conduct the DNA tests, which will definitely verify and identify each of the seized items. The individual in possession of the objects is being investigated and has been reported to Interpol. Both local and international investigations are still ongoing to identify the actual owner of the items.
