Yes, keeping roadkill in Malaysia is generally legal only if it meets wildlife protection laws and local authority approvals. The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and state-level regulations govern such cases, with exceptions for non-protected species and proper documentation.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Malaysia
- Wildlife Conservation Act 2010: Prohibits possession of protected species (e.g., pangolins, turtles) without permits. Roadkill of these species must be reported to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) within 48 hours.
- State-Specific Rules: Sabah and Sarawak enforce stricter controls under their respective wildlife ordinances. For example, Sabah’s Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 requires immediate DWNP notification for any roadkill, regardless of species.
- Permit Requirements: Non-protected species (e.g., common deer, wild boar) may be kept if a DWNP-issued salvage permit is obtained, verifying the animal’s non-protected status and the cause of death. Permits are valid for 30 days and non-transferable.
Local councils (e.g., Kuala Lumpur City Hall) may impose additional conditions under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, particularly for public health and sanitation. Failure to comply risks fines up to RM10,000 or imprisonment under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. The DWNP’s 2026 compliance guidelines emphasize digital reporting via the MyWildlife portal to streamline roadkill documentation.