29-07-2025
Woman caught with exotic animals in suitcase at KLIA
SEPANG: A 36-year-old Malaysian woman was arrested at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for attempting to smuggle several protected exotic animals out of the country.
The suspect, from Negri Sembilan, was detained during a routine luggage inspection at KLIA Terminal 1, around 9.10pm yesterday.
The inspection, carried out by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MBCA), uncovered nine animals hidden in her baggage. She was a passenger on the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH0198 bound for Hyderabad, India, scheduled to depart at 9.30pm.
The animals seized include four Siamangs, one monkey believed to be a macaque and four sugar gliders.
"The animals, all protected species, were believed to have been smuggled for illegal international trade. The seizure was valued at RM127,000," MBCA said today.
The woman has been handed over to the KLIA police station for further investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 [Act 686].
MBCA said integrated inspections with KLIA Aviation Security will continue to be intensified to curb the smuggling of wildlife through Malaysia's air routes.
