Malaysia
Turtle eggs
Poaching of turtle eggs for consumption and massive exploitation of Malaysian beaches for tourism is leading sea turtles to extinction in the country. Tourists can be offered to buy turtle eggs in markets or to visit places where turtles lay eggs in an unregulated manner where tourists are even allowed handle them. It is therefore very important not to participate in activities of this type.
More information about responsible turtle sightings.
Elephant watching
Several tour operators, guides and boatmen who take tourists along the rivers of the Kinabatangan area allow their clients to get off the boats and enter the jungle to take better pictures of the elephants. This type of behaviour is stressful for animals and dangerous to people since elephants who get scared by the flashing cameras or feel harassed can end up attacking tourists.
We remind all tourists of the importance of asking their tour guides and travel companions to respect the codes of conduct and security measures and to report the cases of bad practices to local authorities, travel agents and NGOs.
For more information read here and here.
Elephant rides and false rescue centers
Malaysia is one of several Asian countries where tourists can hire elephant rides or come upon false rescue centers which, while claiming they work to help these animals, actually use them for profit by forcing them to carry out unnatural activities. All elephants used in the tourism industry have been domesticated through violent and brutal techniques and suffer serious physical and psychological problems. Moreover, in most cases they have been captured from the wild, thus proceeding from illegal wildlife trade.
More information here and here.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Malaysia:
SSPCA (Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Trap - Neuter - Release - Manage (TNRM) Malaysia
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
Recommended rescue centers and projects:
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
If you want to report a crime against wildlife you can contact: Ministry of Environment +60-1800-88-2727
