Malaysian officials face first test of new law banning growing import: 'Everyone is complicit in the trafficking'

AI BRIEFING

• ⬤ Malaysia introduces new law to ban the importation of certain plants, including the Rafflesia, which is used in traditional medicine, but critics say it's unenforceable and will drive the trade underground.
• ⬤ The law, which comes into effect on July 1, makes it a crime to import or export any plant that is listed as being used in human consumption or traditional medicine, but some experts say it's impossible to track every single transaction.
• ⬤ The ban is expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of many people who rely on the export of these plants for income, and some are warning that it will lead to widespread smuggling and corruption.