No. Owning a kangaroo in Malaysia is illegal under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulations. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) enforces strict prohibitions, with no domestic breeding or private ownership permits issued. Violations may result in fines up to RM100,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Malaysia
- Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716): Prohibits the keeping, breeding, or possession of native or non-native wildlife species, including kangaroos, without explicit authorization from PERHILITAN. Schedule 1 lists protected species, with kangaroos classified under “non-native wildlife” requiring import permits under Section 12.
- CITES Compliance (2026 Amendments): Malaysia’s 2026 CITES implementation strengthens controls on exotic pet trade, mandating import permits for all non-native species. Kangaroos, listed under Appendix II, require prior approval from the CITES Management Authority (Malaysian Timber Industry Board) and PERHILITAN’s endorsement.
- Local Authority Enforcement: State-level wildlife departments collaborate with PERHILITAN to conduct inspections and seizures. Private ownership is subject to the Animals Act 1953, which classifies kangaroos as “wild animals,” barring domestication. Exemptions for zoos or research require multi-agency approvals.