But these, and many other species in the region, are under increasing threat due to poaching and the demand for their body parts in the illegal wildlife trade.

Wildlife in Malaysia is currently protected by the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972, a 37-year old law, which is severely outdated and riddled with loopholes. As a result many species continue to be poached and illegally traded at alarming rates, whilst wildlife offenders often escape arrest and prosecution.

The good news is that the Malaysian government is now in the process of amending this legislation. But we need your help to make sure this will result in a stronger Act that gives Malaysia's wildlife the protection it deserves.

Examples of the amendments needed include:

* The Act should be strengthened so that all products containing or claiming to contain parts of protected species be made illegal.

* Mandatory jail sentences and stiffer fines imposed for serious wildlife offences.

At the moment, the Act does not contain provisions to allow for active public involvement in wildlife protection. To rectify this, information such as the list of all prosecutions, convictions and sentences imposed should be made publicly available.