Battle to Save Malaysia’s Monkeys Continues
December 2007
On 16 August 2007, the Malaysian Government made an official announcement that it planned to lift the monkey export ban imposed in 1984. The ban was instituted by then-wildlife director Mohammed Khan, who was replaced by Musa Nordin in the early 1990s. Nordin retired in October 2006. In contrast to his predecessor, who has expressed strong support for maintaining
the monkey export ban, Nordin has expressed open support for monkey trafficking. He was contacted by reporters for the
Malaysian newspaper Star who wrote on 11 September 2007,
In a telephone interview, Musa said he was “indirectly involved” in the trade but declined to comment when asked if he
had teamed up with a wildlife trader.
The September 2007 issue of IPPL News asked readers to contact three senior Malaysian wildlife officials and the Embassy of Malaysia. Thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign.
Several Malaysian organizations have had anti-monkey-trade letters published in the Malaysian press. Gary Phong of the Malaysian Nature Society wrote in a letter published in Malaysiakini on 19 September:
The decision to export “problem” long-tailed macaques appears to be a weak attempt to treat the symptoms of the problem rather than addressing the cause. Moreover, it appears to be motivated mainly by the commercial incentives of the wildlife trade. Enforcement is always difficult; it will be impossible to verify that the macaques captured for export are truly “problem” macaques, and with the hefty price tag offered for each, it is easy to see how “innocent” macaques will be caught from the wild and sold as well.
The lifting of the trade ban may actually increase poaching of macaques, which also may indirectly lead to poaching of
other primates—such as leaf monkeys, which also have long tails.
Humans are ultimately to blame for our conflict with monkeys; we cut down trees, we litter and leave our trash bins open, and we also like to feed macaques. Whether at Bukit Damansara or Batu Caves, we spoil macaques by feeding them for fun.
Dr. Ardith Eudey, of the World Conservation Union’s Action Plan for Asian Primates, was quoted in the 11 September issue of the
Star:
The macaque is under threat due to human encroachment upon its habitat. In countries other than Malaysia, efforts are being made, from documenting the extent of the problem to proposing and testing ways in which to minimize it. Many people are coming into contact with macaques for the first time and need to be educated on the proper ways to minimize interaction. Hong Kong and Singapore have embarked on positive educational and control programs. Malaysia has the economic resources to initiate a constructive program rather than resort to destructive actions.
On 24 October 2007, the New Straits Times published a letter from Mr. N. Surendran of the Malaysian Animal Rights and Welfare Society (ROAR). ROAR is a coalition comprised of the Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Malaysian Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled Association, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat, and the Malaysian Association for Responsible Pet Ownership. Mr. Surendran wrote,
This week is Malaysian Environment Week. I call upon the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to restore
the ban on the export of long-tailed macaques...
The lifting of the ban will lead to indiscriminate and excessive trapping and export of monkeys by illegal wildlife traders.
The task of the Wildlife and National Parks Department in monitoring and halting illegal trade will also be that much harder with the lifting of the ban. This was, in fact, the situation in the 1980s, when the government made the right move of
imposing the ban. If the ministry goes ahead with the export plan, undoubtedly Malaysia’s reputation abroad will be damaged.
Malaysians are a compassionate people who want animals to be treated justly and kindly...
It is not skyscrapers and giant malls that make us a civilized nation. It is this coming together of all Malaysians, speaking in one voice transcending race and religion in defense of helpless animals that makes us an enlightened nation. It is hoped that the ministry will respond to this aspiration of all Malaysians by restoring the ban on the trade of longtailed macaques.
As of 1 November 2007, no monkeys had been exported from Malaysia, but the battle is not over!
What You Can Do
We have great confidence in the work of our Malaysian colleagues. We feel they are showing outstanding courage.
We believe that your letters seeking the continuation of Malaysia’s monkey export ban should best be addressed to
Malaysia’s overseas embassies at this time.
His Excellency the Ambassador of Malaysia
Embassy of Malaysia
3516 International Court, NW
Washington DC 20008
Fax: 202-483-7661
E-mail: malwashdc@kln.gov.my
His Excellency the High Commissioner of Malaysia
Malaysian High Commission
45-46 Belgrave Square
London
SW1X 8QT
UNITED KINGDOM
Fax: 2072-355161
His Excellency the High Commissioner of Malaysia
Malaysian High Commission
7 Perth Avenue
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
Fax: 2-6273-2496
His Excellency the High Commissioner of Malaysia
Malaysian High Commission
60 Boteler Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 8Y7
CANADA
Fax: 613-241-5214
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Where to Learn More
A story entitled "Monkey Business" with interviews with Shirley McGreal of IPPL and Malaysian activists.
A story entitled "Making a Quick Buck" with interviews with former wildlife chief Mohammad Khan and IPPL Advisory Board member Dr. Ardith Eudey.
Video press conference with Mr. Surendran during ROAR's trip to the Anti-Corruption Agency to request an investigation of the monkey trade plans.
