From Sea to Screen: Malaysia’s Online Shark and Ray Trade

Sharks and rays are marine keystone species that play vital roles in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. However, they are highly vulnerable to fishing pressure as slow-growing, late-maturing species with few offspring. Globally, according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, overfishing and illegal trade have caused the world’s sharks and rays to face an unprecedented crisis, with over one third of species assessed are now threatened with extinction.  

Although only a few sharks and rays in the online sale posts could be identified to species level, the study revealed that some belonged to highly threatened species — including Critically Endangered wedgefish and Endangered whiprays, traded within a lucrative online market worth over RM326 million (USD70 million). 

All identified shark species, and nearly all ray species from the listing are native to Malaysian waters, and none are specifically protected under the Fisheries Act 1985. As Malaysia undertakes amendments to the Fisheries Act, expanding protection for endangered shark and ray species will be crucial to ensure their survival. 

These findings raise concerns for threatened sharks and rays in Malaysia’s waters, most of which are not legally protected but heavily traded online and even involves Critically Endangered species,"

Serene Chng, co-author and Programme Manager of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia.

The study found major gaps in traceability and seller accountability, with most online posts failing to state product origin. Traceability (tracking products from capture to final sale) is crucial to verify where, how, and what species were caught, prevent illegal trade, and promote sustainability. Strengthening monitoring and species identification through traceability systems like SharkTrace, which uses QR codes to track sharks and rays from capture to product, can help build a more transparent and accountable trade and support stronger management and policy action. 

Conserving sharks and rays are not just about saving species, it’s also about sustaining ocean health that benefits our coastal communities. We urge everyone to take a stand, say no to eating sharks and rays for the sake of both people and nature.” 

Serena Adam, co-author and Senior Marine Conservation Officer at WWF-Malaysia.

The study calls for coordinated action across all sectors:  

• For government, expand protection for endangered marine species, including sharks and rays under the Fisheries Act 1985 and strengthen labelling and trade monitoring standards.  
• For e-commerce platforms and sellers, disclose product origin and work with civil society groups to promote responsible trade practices.  
• For fellow Malaysians, the most powerful action starts at the table — do not consume sharks and rays, help protect the future of our ocean.