A 34-year-old man was busted at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 while trying to sneak four exotic animals believed to be black-handed gibbons through his luggage. The animals are estimated to be worth around RM30,000.
In a statement today, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency said the animals were discovered inside the suspect’s luggage.
He was about to fly to Mumbai, India, on Friday night when authorities found the animals hidden in his bags.
“The suspect was detained on the spot and taken to the Aeropolis police headquarters for further action,” the statement said.
The gibbons have since been handed over to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) for investigation and further action.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.
This arrest is part of a new wave of tighter checks launched this month, with the agency teaming up with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Perhilitan to crack down on wildlife smuggling through high-risk airport routes.
“The agency, AVSEC, and Perhilitan will continue to tighten security controls at KLIA and will not compromise with any party involved in wildlife trafficking via air routes,” the statement added.
Stay tuned for more updates!
