MODERNIZING CUSTOMS FOR CITES ENFORCEMENT: ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN MALAYSIA
ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31092/jpbc.v9i3.3699Keywords:
CITES enforcement, wildlife trafficking, customs modernization, biodiversity protection, regional cooperation, MalaysiaAbstract
This review examines the strategic role of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) in enhancing transparency and cross-border cooperation for the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Given Malaysia’s position as a critical transit hub for wildlife trafficking, this study addresses key challenges such as fragmented data systems, weak interagency coordination, and limited species identification capacity. Using a qualitative, narrative-based approach, the review analyzes literature, regional initiatives (e.g., ASEAN-WEN), and customs modernization tools, including ePermits, non-intrusive inspection, and AI-based risk profiling. The results reveal progress in digitization and regional cooperation, yet underscore persistent gaps in real-time data interoperability, legal harmonization, and officer training. Discussion highlights the need for standardized procedures, cross-border intelligence exchange, and policy reform to align enforcement practices with international biodiversity goals. Conclusively, the study proposes a multi-layered strategy—integrating technological innovation, regulatory alignment, and regional capacity building—to enhance CITES enforcement and position RMCD as a regional leader in biodiversity protection.
References
Aguiar, R., Gray, R., Gallo-Cajiao, E., Ruckert, A., Clifford Astbury, C., Labonté, R., Tsasis, P., Viens, A.M. and Wiktorowicz, M. (2025). Preventing zoonotic spillover through regulatory frameworks governing wildlife trade: A scoping review. Plos one, 20(1), p.e0312012.
Alam, Md. N., Kabir, M. S., & Sumi, E. J. (2023). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Future Immigration and Border Control. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.8253
Alexandroff, A. S., & Laird, I. A. (2008). Compliance and Enforcement. https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199231386.013.0029
Ananta Yudha, F. Z. F., Hanita, M., & Riyanta, S. (2024). The Threat of Protected Flora and Fauna Smuggling In Indonesia as A Transnational Organized Crime From The Perspective of Customs and Excise. Asian Journal of Social and Humanities, 3(2), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.59888/ajosh.v3i2.448
Ariffin, M., & Mustafa, M. (2013). International wildlife trade regulation and its enforcement in Malaysia. http://irep.iium.edu.my/31084/
Arroyo-Quiroz, I., & Wyatt, T. (2019). Wildlife Trafficking between the European Union and Mexico. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy, 8(3), 23–37. https://doi.org/10.5204/IJCJSD.V8I3.1243
Bautista?Beauchesne, N. (2022). Building anti?corruption agency collaboration and reputation: Hanging together or separately hanged. Regulation & Governance, 16(4), 1399-1419.
Bi, Y., Xie, Y., Huang, S., & Zhang, L. (n.d.). Research on the Current Operation of the Association of South East Asian Nations Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN)?:A Discussion on ASEAN Collaboration Mechanism in Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade. https://doi.org/10.13348/j.cnki.sjlyyj.2017.0083.y
Chan, H.-K., Zhang, H., Yang, F., & Fischer, G. A. (2015). Improve customs systems to monitor global wildlife trade. Science, 348(6232), 291–292. https://doi.org/10.1126/SCIENCE.AAA3141
Chen, Z. (2024). AI-Powered Customs Clearance: Optimizing Trade Compliance and Border Management. 1(1), 79–98. https://doi.org/10.6914/sw.010105
De Wulf, L., & Sokol, J. B. (2004). Customs Modernization Initiatives: Case Studies. World Bank Publications. https://ideas.repec.org/b/wbk/wbpubs/14911.html
De Wulf, L., & Sokol, J. B. (2005). Customs Modernization Handbook. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/7216
Fabia, I., Fabia, U., & Piotrowski, S. (n.d.). Cross-border Cooperation as a Key Element of Internal Security – Selected Aspects. https://doi.org/10.19192/wsfip.sj3.2024.16
Ferber, A. M., Griffin, E., Dilkina, B., Keskin, B. B., & Gore, M. L. (2023). Predicting Wildlife Trafficking Routes with Differentiable Shortest Paths (pp. 460–476). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33271-5_30
Fijnaut, C., & Huberts, L. (Eds.). (2002). Corruption, integrity and law enforcement (Vol. 1, p. 3). The Hague: Kluwer law international.
Gerson, H., Cudmore, B., Mandrak, N. E., Coote, L. D., Farr, K., & Baillargeon, G. (2008). Monitoring international wildlife trade with coded species data. Conservation Biology, 22(1), 4–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1523-1739.2007.00857.X
Gikunda, B., Kamau, S., & Njagi, S. M. (2025). An Assessment of the inter-agency framework in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, 2018-2022. The Eastern Africa Journal of Policy and Strategy, 107-118.
Giwa, O. (2025). Enforcement Of Illegal Wildlife Trade In Africa: Challenges And Solutions (Nigeria As A Case Study). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5011729
Himawan, S. (2012). Pemberantasan Wildlife Crime di Indonesia Melalui Kerjasama ASEAN Wildlife Enforecement Network (ASEAN-WEN). http://eprints.undip.ac.id/37853/
Hughes, A. C., Marshall, B. M., & Strine, C. T. (2021). Gaps in global wildlife trade monitoring leave amphibians vulnerable. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.12.443752
Jiao, Y., Yeophantong, P., Lee, T. M., & Lee, T. M. (2021). Strengthening International Legal Cooperation to Combat the Illegal Wildlife Trade Between Southeast Asia and China. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/FEVO.2021.645427
Jones, D., & Honorato, I. (2016). Capacity building and collaboration: Enforcement training to build capacity that ensures environmental protection. In Environmental crime and collaborative state intervention (pp. 39-56). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Junquera-Varela, R. F., & Lucas-Mas, C. Ó. (2024). Executive Summary (pp. xvii–xix). The World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-2053-3_es
Kafando, I. (2020). How Can Customs Better Leverage Emerging AI Technologies for More Sustainable and Smarter Operations? World Customs Journal. https://doi.org/10.55596/001c.116424
Kalfoglou, S., & Yükselo?lu, E. (2024). Crime Knows No Borders: The Necessity of International Police Cooperation. Lectio Socialis. https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.1492496
Khan, A. (2024). The intersection of artificial intelligence and international trade laws: challenges and opportunities. IIUM Law Journal, 32(1), 103–152. https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumlj.v32i1.912
Korenblik, A., Leggett, T., & Shadbolt, T. (2016). World wildlife crime report 2016: trafficking in protected species. https://apo.org.au/node/65084
Krishnasamy, K. (2016). Malaysia’s invisible ivory channel. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia. https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46717
Kusumaningrum, A. (2013). The ASEAN Political-Security Community: Asean Security Cooperation on Combating Transnational Crimes and Transboundary Challenges. Indonesian Journal of International Law, 11(1), 89–105. https://doi.org/10.17304/IJIL.VOL11.1.268
Lusaka Agreement Task Force. (2015, March). Operation Cobra II evaluation report. Lusaka Agreement Task Force. https://lusakaagreement.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/OPERATION-COBRA-II-EVALUATION-REPORT_Final_dist..pdf
Macdonald, M. (2023). Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora and its implementation in the united states of america, the european union, tanzania, india and colombia. https://doi.org/10.26481/dis.20230612fs
Malay Mail. (2025, May 27). Malaysia digitises MyCIEDS customs platform to boost trade efficiency, border control. Malay Mail. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/27/malaysia-digitises-mycieds-customs-platform-to-boost-trade-efficiency-border-control/178360
Mikuriya, K. (2017). Illicit Wildlife Trade and the Role of Customs. 12(1), 4. https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=alr
??????????, ?. ?. (2014). ?????????-???????? ???????? ?????? ???????: ???? ?????. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tamozhenno-pravovye-sredstva-ohrany-prirody-opyt-asean
Ozturk, O. (2024). The Impact of AI on International Trade: Opportunities and Challenges. Economies, 12(11), 298. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12110298
Pitman, M. (2020). The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna and the Illegal Wildlife Trade: A Critical Perspective. Carl Grossmann. https://doi.org/10.24921/2020.94115945.06
Polner, M. (2015). Customs and illegal trade: Old game-new rules. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 30(3), 329-344.
Rahman, R. (2024). Enhancing Regional Cooperation for Human Security: Insights from ASEANAPOL’s 2023 Committee A. Jurnal Transformasi Global, 11(2), 103–127. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jtg.011.02.1
Ramadhan, R., Anwar, Muh. C., & Sajid, M. (2023). Upaya ASEAN dalam Menangani Kejahatan Transnasional Perdagangan Narkoba, Perdagangan Manusia dan Terorisme di Kawasan Asia Tenggara. Indonesian Journal of Peace and Security Studies. https://doi.org/10.29303/ijpss.v5i1.120
Reeve, R. (n.d.). Policing International Trade in Endangered Species. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315071954
Reeve, R. (2014). Policing international trade in endangered species: the CITES treaty and compliance. Routledge.
Royal Malaysian Customs Department. (n.d.). Malaysian Customs Import/Export Document System (MyCIEDS). Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://mycieds.customs.gov.my/
Ronzhina, N. A., Lichutina, A. A., & Khairusov, D. S. (2022). The fight of the customs authorities in the illegal circulation of wild flora and fauna. Chronos Journal, 7(10(72)), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.52013/2658-7556-72-10-35
Rosen, G. E., & Smith, K. F. (2010). Summarizing the Evidence on the International Trade in Illegal Wildlife. Ecohealth, 7(1), 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10393-010-0317-Y
Sajeva, M., Carimi, F., & McGough, N. (2007). The convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) and its role in conservation of cacti and other succulent plants. Functional Ecosystems and Communities, 1(2), 80-85.
Salleh, M. H. H. M. (2024). Enhancing Wildlife Trade Enforcement in Malaysia: A Review of The Role of Disruptive Technologies and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration. Jurnal BPPK: Badan Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Keuangan, 17(3), 183-191.
Salmin, A. L. I. (2023). Assessing gaps in awareness, knowledge, and capacity of CITES implementation within Zanzibar's enforcement agencies (Master's thesis, Universidad Internacional de Andalucía).
Soewondo, S., & Kadarudin, K. (2022). Prevention and Eradication of Transnational Organized Crime in Southeast Asia. Scholars International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 5(2), 37–44. https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2022.v05i02.001
Sheikh, P. A., & Corn, M. L. (2016). The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Siegel, D., & van Uhm, D. (2012). Uncovering the illegal wildlife trade?: Inside the world of poachers, smugglers and traders. https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/338046
Sollund, R., & Maher, J. (2015). The illegal wildlife trade. A case study report on the illegal wildlife trade in the United Kingdom, Norway, Colombia and Brazil. University of Oslo and University of South Wales, Oslo & Wales.
Sundram, P. (2024). ASEAN cooperation to combat transnational crime: progress, perils, and prospects. Frontiers in Political Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpos.2024.1304828
theSun Local. (2025, July 24). MyCIEDS system enhances transparency in Malaysia import-export docs. The Sun Malaysia. BERNAMApix. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/mycieds-system-enhances-transparency-in-malaysia-import-export-docs-JD14539154
van Asch, E. (2017). Exploring the Effectiveness of International Cooperation to Combat Transnational Organized Wildlife Crime: Lessons Learned from Initiatives in Asia. https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/19161/
Waeber, P. O., Roberts, M. W., Schuurman, D. C., Nijman, V., Wittemyer, G., Barber, C. V., Innes, J. L., Lowry, P. P., & Wilmé, L. (2023). Gaps in CITES policy undermine conservation of threatened species by providing loopholes for illegal trade. Bioscience. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad040
Wiersema, A. (2017). CITES and the Whole Chain Approach to Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade. Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 20, 207–225. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880292.2017.1409396
Wijnstekers, W. (2011). The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - 35 Years of Global Efforts to Ensure That International Trade in Wild Animals and Plants Is Legal and Sustainable. Forensic Science Review, 23(1), 1–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26231164/
Wyatt, T. (n.d.). Transnational Collaborations. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83753-2_7
Wyatt, T. (2021). Is CITES protecting wildlife?: Assessing implementation and compliance. Routledge.
Zucca, P., Rossmann, M.C., Osorio, J.E., Karem, K., De Benedictis, P., Haißl, J., De Franceschi, P., Calligaris, E., Kohlweiß, M., Meddi, G. and Gabrutsch, W. (2020). The “bio-crime model” of cross-border cooperation among veterinary public health, justice, law enforcements, and customs to tackle the illegal animal trade/bio-terrorism and to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases among human population. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, p.593683.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors can enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) before and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
