Industry Timeline
In December 2010, Malaysia's Parliament passed the Wildlife Conservation Bill 2010 and as a result, the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) came into force December 2010.
Barely six months into the life of the new Act, authorities conducted raids and confiscated animals from various stakeholders around the country including forcing several zoos into "voluntary" closure and surrender of protected species. Authorities claimed to have conducted these raids and confiscation based on new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare conditions of captive animals. However, while the Act came into force in December 2010, Regulations "aimed at improving animal welfare" would only be passed in January 2012.
Subsequently, once new regulations were passed in January 2012, wildlife authorities gave zoos six months to comply to new regulations that included–for the first time–minimum enclosure sizes for captive wildlife species from February 1, 2012.
Fearing resumption of unfair and unreasonable enforcement that could force the closure of a number of private zoos, several zoos and breeders gathered together to form the P2PHM. On July 24, 2012, the Association successfully engaged the NRE Minister and brought awareness to the plight of many zoos, breeders, traders and hobbyists. Subsequent to this, the Minister ordered the immediate review of wildlife regulations put in place under Section 132 of the Wildlife Act 2010.
The Association continues to engage various sectors of the industry, preparing working papers and counter proposal for the NRE's perusal.
