Proposal to Review Penalties Imposed on Convicted Wildlife Traffickers

Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for National Development in light of the recent record seizures of illegal wildlife trade totalling S$66 million, whether there is a need to review the legislation and penalties imposed on convicted wildlife traffickers such that they are commensurate with the value of the illegal shipment.

In Singapore, the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, or ESA, governs trade in wildlife, to meet our obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the ESA, wildlife traffickers could be fined up to $50,000 per specimen for the illegal import, export, or re-export of CITES-regulated species (up to a maximum fine of $500,000), and/or face imprisonment of up to two years.

NParks will review these penalties as part of its continual efforts to ensure that our measures remain robust and effective.