A local woman was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after allegedly attempting to smuggle two endangered gibbons to Mumbai, India by concealing them in a luggage bag filled with clothes.
The 38-year-old suspect, believed to be linked to a protected wildlife trafficking syndicate, tried to board a flight at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday evening. Authorities discovered the two wild Hylobates gibbons, reportedly captured in Indonesia, during a baggage inspection around 8pm. The animals are estimated to be worth approximately RM6,000.
Hylobates gibbons, commonly known as lesser apes, are among the world’s most endangered primates and are legally protected. The suspect was taken into custody and is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.
Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, director-general of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), said the gibbons were intended for the black market in India, where demand is high.
“This is not the first wildlife smuggling attempt through KLIA. In July, a woman was caught attempting to smuggle nine wild animals, including siamangs, sugar gliders, and a macaque, worth RM127,000,” he noted.
Abdul Kadir added that several other incidents have occurred at KLIA in recent months, including seizures of gibbons, cuscuses, and macaques, highlighting the ongoing focus of international wildlife trafficking syndicates on Malaysia’s air routes.
From 2023 to 2025, seizures at KLIA involved turtles, snakes, birds, primates, and reptiles, with a total value amounting to millions of ringgit. Authorities continue to monitor and crack down on illegal wildlife trade through Malaysian airports.
