EXOTIC animals are now popular among Malaysians, especially children, because they need minimal care, an exotic pet shop owner said.

Through the internet and YouTube, many children research the reptiles they like before asking their parents to buy them.

These exotic animals are said to be easy to take care of and cheap to feed.

However, conservationists said that exotic wildlife, while bred in captivity, can still be traded illegally. – August 2, 2022.