IPOH: The use of traps on wildlife is cruel and inhuman and it constitutes a criminal offence under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, says Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said offenders faced a minimum fine of RM50,000 and six months mandatory jail if found guilty.

The use of traps could result in the extinction of the various species of wildlife in a very cruel and dangerous way as they could cause serious injuries to wildlife, he added.

"This will lead to death. Apart from wildlife, traps are also a threat to humans passing through the area," he said in a statement here today.

He was commenting on the discovery of a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) carcass in Kampung Sarok, Gerik on Jan 25.

An inspection by Gerik Wildlife and National Parks Department found a wire believed to be a trap on the right hind leg of the dead animal. — Bernama