PETALING JAYA: WWF-Malaysia Thursday (April 25) urged the government to consider setting up a National Tiger Task Force to address the ongoing issue of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. In a statement, Conservation Director Dr Henry Chan said the move would be a success if implemented, citing statistics of a similar task force formed in Nepal. "The establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Committee and Wildlife Crime Control Coordination Committee in Nepal made it possible for the country to almost double its tiger numbers, as well as achieve 365 days of zero poaching for rhinos, elephants and tigers between 2013 and 2014," he said. Last week, it was reported that two Vietnamese nationals were found in possession of wildlife parts, including that of two Malayan tigers. The haul was believed to be worth up to RM500,000 in the black market, according to National Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

Source: The Star April 25, 2019 10:52 UTC