Some believe that its meat is also an aphrodisiac while its blood and bile suppresses tumors in cancer patients. Tokay geckos are in high demand by the traditional medicine industry abroad as it is believed that the reptile’s tongue can cure AIDS. While numerous gecko species are sold as pets at nominal prices, the highly prized specie in demand for its medicinal value is the Tokay gecko. Just drive into border towns such as Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and you can easily sport wildlife trappers and agents advertising the Tokay gecko for sale.
As the supply is getting scarce in Malaysia, agents have started to head towards Thailand to source for fresh supplies. Residents in northern towns of Peninsular Malaysia such as Pendang in Kedah and Balik Pulau in Penang have seen the gecko business grow into a cottage industry after news reports revealed that overseas buyers are willing to pay up to RM1 million for each reptile. In light of its high market value, catching and trading in Tokay geckos have become a lucrative side business especially for villagers in the northern West Malaysian states and in East Malaysia. A kampung folk who has a marketable sized Tokay gecko for sale will not have to wait long for serious buyers to make him an offer. What price it fetches abroad is anybody's guess.
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