40 PANGOLINS PREVENTED FROM ENDING UP IN COOKING POTS

KOTA BAHARU (Kelantan, Malaysia), April 4 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) prevented 40 pangolins worth about RM60,000 from ending in cooking pots with the arrest of two men at Bukit Yong, near Pasir Puteh, near here Monday. (US$1=RM3.02)

State Perhilitan director Rahmat Topani said the pangolins, believed to be smuggled to a neighbouring country was seized by a team of officers and help from police in Pasir Puteh, in front of the Bukit Yong police station at about 6.45am.

He said the pangolins from the "manis javanica" species, weighing about 200kg were seized from a Toyota Camry car, believed to be heading to China via Thailand and used for traditional medicine.

"We have detained the driver and his accomplice, both in the 40s and from Johor," he told reporters here.

He said the offence carries a fine of between RM50,000 and not more than RM100,000 or three years jail or both, if found guilty.
-- BERNAMA