Review of Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will be reviewing and strengthening the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act following the recent acquittal by the Court of Appeal of a businessman who brought Malagasy rosewood into Singapore; and (b) how does the Ministry ensure that the rosewood will not enter the black market after it is returned to the owner.

Mr Lawrence Wong: NParks is studying the Court of Appeal’s judgement on the acquittal of Kong Hoo Pte Ltd and its director Mr Wong Wee Keong, and will review its policies under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act (ESA) as appropriate.

The Court of Appeal had directed that the rosewood be released to the owners as soon as practicable. NParks will do so in accordance with Singapore’s obligation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna or Flora (CITES). As the rosewood is in transit, local sales of the rosewood will not be allowed and it must be kept under the control of authorised officers under the ESA for the duration of its transit. The international community, particularly countries that are signatories to CITES, will also play a key role in ensuring that the rosewood does not enter their markets illegally.