A man’s attempt to smuggle protected wildlife out of Malaysia was foiled when he was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Sunday evening.
The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) said in a statement that the 46-year-old Malaysian was detained at 8.10pm at KLIA Terminal 1.
“The smuggling attempt was thwarted thanks to cooperation between AKPS, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and KLIA Auxiliary Police,” it said. “The man was trying to take the animals out of the country on Malaysia Airlines flight MH0194 bound for Mumbai.”
Checks on his luggage uncovered a gibbon and two suspected cuscuses, estimated to be worth RM20,000.
The suspect was taken to the Aeropolis Police Station for further investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. All seized animals were handed over to Perhilitan at KLIA for follow-up action.
Authorities said the case reflects their ongoing commitment to cracking down on wildlife smuggling and ensuring Malaysia’s main entry points are not used for cross-border crime.
