Malaysia destroys 9.5 tonnes of ivory

The government of Malaysia has joined forces with other nations to put an end to the alarming trend of wildlife poaching and smuggling after it destroyed 9.5 tonnes of ivory.

The country has long been used as a trans-shipment point to other countries for many years.

Malaysian minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Junaidi Jaafar, confirmed to reporters that the authorities have confiscated over 4,000 pieces of ivory and various other wildlife species through coordinated efforts of international enforcement network and public information

#Malaysia destroys 9.5 tonnes of elephant #ivory seized over the years to deter smugglers: https://t.co/oZ6Sx5HS87 pic.twitter.com/PhSQTVCt8S

— UN Environment (@UNEP) April 14, 2016

The international ivory trade has been outlawed since 1989 after the African elephant population had declined within decades. Nevertheless poachers have continued to meet demands from Asia.

AFP