Consumers Association of Penang

Giving a voice to the little people...since 1970

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is highly disturbed at news of shark finning carried out regularly in the diving haven of Sipadan, off the coast of Semporna in Sabah.

There is no reprieve for sharks as calls from academics, divers, conservationists, social activist and NGOs for a ban on shark hunting have proven futile, following a disclosure from the Sabah Department of Fisheries that a total ban on shark hunting could not be imposed, as not all shark species found in Malaysian waters are endangered, and killing is at a sustainable level.

Time is running out for the birds!

Massive clearing of greens and the relentless chopping of trees to make space for frenzied development for hideous concrete structures have taken a toll on birds.

Much of the areas that are now urban centres, agricultural and industrial areas used to be wetlands, forests and other habitats for birds.

Humans, principally developers are ignorant of the fact that trees provide birds with food, shade and shelter that keeps the birds cool.

Full commitment needed to fight wildlife trafficking

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is finally relieved to learn of the revocation of all licences and permits issued to a notorious wildlife smuggler and the confiscation of all his animals and reptile by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Wildlife department.

However SAM is extremely concerned that with one wildlife trafficker caught others will fill the void. The trade in wildlife is very much like drug trafficking. The business in poaching and trafficking is brutal, secretive and fully globalized. Driven by low risks and high profits the risks are small and the penalties piffling. Poachers driven by poverty earn just a small percentage while big time traffickers who control them are willing to serve any time behind bars. Like any business worth its salt the animal trade continues to expand into new niches.

Say "no" to animal experimentation

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is part of the coalition group comprising the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) and the SPCA. We refer to the meeting of the four Malaysian ministries over the proposed building of an animal-testing laboratory in Malacca.

SAM is of the view that before opting for more such facilities, there is a need to hasten amendments to the Animal Act 1953 (Revision 2006), an archaic law unbefitting to modern society. The Act needs to be tabled first even before the enforcement of rules and standards on use of animals in experimentation through the Act could be considered.

Cruelty of the international bird trade

People are fascinated at the sight and chirping of birds in pet shops and are willing to pay huge sums just to own an exotic species.

But "bird lovers" show hardly any concern at the trauma suffered by birds captured in their country of origin, during transportation and mortality before reaching the country of destination.