KUALA LUMPUR: Almost six years after he was caught for illegally possessing 81 pangolins, former police officer Mohd Sharwandy Sollahudin has been handed down one of the longest prison sentences for a crime involving the world's most trafficked mammal.
In August 2018, Sharwandy was arrested for violating the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Last month, he was sentenced to a total of 15 years and 9 months in jail on four separate charges related to the illegal possession of juvenile and female pangolins.
However, due to the sentences running concurrently, he is expected to serve only six and a half years in prison.
According to Traffic, an organisation that champions sustainability and conserve nature, especially on trade of wild animals, this landmark ruling is particularly noteworthy because it imposed a prison-only sentence without any fines, setting a strong precedent in the country's legal battle against wildlife trafficking.
The jail terms for the four charges together exceed half of the maximum allowed penalties, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) director general, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, who played a crucial role in Sharwandy's arrest and prosecution, emphasised the importance of this decision.
"A sentence like this is vital as it sends a clear message that wildlife crimes are taken very seriously," he said.
"Pangolins are highly valued in the black market, and the penalties for traffickers must reflect this to deter future offenses," he added.
Sharwandy's case also underscores ongoing issues with pangolin smuggling in Kedah, a known hotspot for wildlife trafficking. There has been a series of high-profile arrests involving individuals, including law enforcement officers, engaged in pangolin smuggling.
In 2012, a former policeman was jailed for illegal possession and cruelty towards pangolins.
He was arrested again in 2014 for similar offenses near the Malaysia-Thailand border checkpoint at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
In 2018, a retired army serviceman was apprehended at the same checkpoint with 56 pangolins hidden in his car.
The following year, a Malaysian policeman was caught by Royal Thai Customs officers at a Thai border checkpoint with 47 pangolins in his vehicle.
These incidents reflect the persistent challenge of pangolin trafficking, particularly in regions where enforcement is strained.
Sharwandy's illegal activities have significant repercussions for the Critically Endangered Sunda Pangolins.
Data from Traffic reveals that from 2014 to 2023, over 2,500 Sunda Pangolins were seized in more than 80 incidents across Malaysia.
The fact that over two-thirds of the pangolins in Sharwandy's possession were either female or juvenile animals highlights the profound impact his smuggling ring could have had on the species.
Sunda Pangolins reproduce infrequently, usually having only one offspring per year, making the loss of these individuals particularly detrimental to the population.
Sharwandy's conviction and sentence mark a critical step in Malaysia's fight against wildlife trafficking. By imposing a significant prison term, the court has set a precedent that trafficking pangolins will result in severe legal consequences.
"The severity of this sentence reflects the serious nature of wildlife crimes and serves as a warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade," said Abdul Kadir.