By Allisa Fuad
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's online trade in sharks and rays is booming, with sales worth an estimated RM326 million across major e-commerce platforms, a new study has found.
Between October and December 2022, at least 5.25 million kilograms of shark and ray products were listed on Facebook, Shopee, and Lazada, according to the report From Sea to Screen: Malaysia's Online Shark and Ray Trade by TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, a leading NGO monitoring wildlife trade, and WWF-Malaysia.
While shark fins often dominate headlines, the study found that fresh and processed meat made up most sales. Whole sharks and rays were the most frequently listed items, including highly threatened species such as the Critically Endangered wedgefish and Endangered whiprays—species native to Malaysian waters but not fully protected under the Fisheries Act 1985.
"These findings raise serious concerns for threatened sharks and rays in Malaysia, most of which are not legally protected but heavily traded online," said Serene Chng, Programme Manager at TRAFFIC Southeast Asia.
The study also exposed gaps in traceability, with many listings failing to show where the products came from. Experts say systems like SharkTrace, which uses QR codes to track species from capture to sale, could help tackle illegal trade.
"Conserving sharks and rays is not just about saving species—it's about sustaining ocean health that supports livelihoods," said Serena Adam, Senior Marine Conservation Officer at WWF-Malaysia.
The report urges stronger government protection, accountability among online sellers, and responsible consumer choices to safeguard Malaysia's marine heritage.
Source: malaysias-online-shark-and-ray-trade-hits-rm326mil-study-warns