Bears are listed as a totally protected species under Malaysia’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. However a recent study 'Hard to Bear: An assessment of trade in bear bile and gall bladder in Malaysia' highlighted the open and widespread availability of bear gall bladders, bile and derivatives in medicine shops throughout all states in Malaysia. We catch up with Dr. Chris R. Shepherd, the Regional Director for TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, to find out how TRAFFIC is engaging with the parties involved to try and end the illegal trade in bear products.