A Tiger trapped in a poacher's snare in Belum-Temengor forest, northern Malaysia in October 2009; the animal later died of its injuries. A petition calls on the Government to strengthen measures to protect Malaysia's wildlife against poaching Click photo to enlarge © WWF Malaysia   Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 16 December 2009—The Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia, urgently call for the tabling and adoption of amendments to the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 (Act 76) at the next session of Parliament.

The campaign, which was carried out over one and a half years, calling for a stronger and more comprehensive wildlife law, has received the support of 56,062 people from 161 countries.

However, the legislation that is meant to defend wildlife against domestic threats like poaching fails to be a deterrent and continues to allow wildlife criminals to escape justice.

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Handbag made of Hawksbill turtle shell (bekko) on sale in Phu Quoc Island, Viet Nam; Hawksbills are Critically Endangered because of over-harvesting Click photo to enlarge © Daniel Stiles / TRAFFIC   Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc Province, Viet Nam, 10–11 December 2009—CEOs, private entrepreneurs, State-owned enterprises, and multinational corporations are among the nearly 90 participants attending a workshop this week on the protection of Viet Nam’s wildlife.

The meeting, Corporate social responsibility for the protection of wildlife, the conservation of natural resources and the sustainable development of Viet Nam, is the first collaboration of its kind between the Communist Party’s Central Committee for Communications and Education (CCCE); the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and TRAFFIC.

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