Latest news with #InternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesAct2008
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Two men caught at KLIA attempting to smuggle over 300 exotic animals
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) detained two men who were attempting to smuggle hundreds of exotic animals at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), on Wednesday. During a joint inspection conducted at 6.30am, enforcement agencies discovered more than 300 exotic and protected wild animals hidden in the luggage belonging to the two men. In a statement, MCBA said the seized animals included species such as the blue iguana, red-eared slider, savannah monitor, Nile monitor, common spotted cuscus, and black-throated monitor. "Preliminary investigations revealed that both individuals failed to produce any documents, permits, or authorisation letters to export the wildlife. "As a result, they were detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686). "All the wildlife was confiscated for further action, with their total estimated value being around RM460,000," the statement read. MCBA added that joint monitoring and enforcement operations with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Aviation Security (Avsec) teams will continue to be intensified to combat wildlife smuggling and to ensure the nation's biodiversity is preserved. "Any possession, transfer, or trade of wildlife without valid authorisation is a serious offence that may incur heavy legal penalties," it said.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
Two men held for attempted smuggling of exotic animals worth RM460,000 at KLIA
PUTRAJAYA: Two local men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle out more than 300 exotic animals worth about RM460,000 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, according to the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). In a statement today, AKPS said inspections by the authorities at around 6.30 am found all the animals hidden in the luggage belonging to the two men. Among the exotic species seized were blue iguanas, red-eared sliders, savannah monitors, Nile monitors, and common spotted cuscuses. According to AKPS, initial investigations revealed that the suspects failed to present any documents, permits, or authorisation letters to export the wildlife. 'They have been detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686). 'All the wildlife has been seized and confiscated for further action,' the statement said. AKPS stressed that joint monitoring and enforcement operations involving AKPS, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and the Aviation Security team (AVSEC) will continue to be intensified to combat wildlife smuggling and safeguard the country's biodiversity.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
Two men held for attempted smuggling of exotic animals
PUTRAJAYA: Two local men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle out more than 300 exotic animals worth about RM460,000 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, according to the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). In a statement today, AKPS said inspections by the authorities at around 6.30 am found all the animals hidden in the luggage belonging to the two men. Among the exotic species seized were blue iguanas, red-eared sliders, savannah monitors, Nile monitors, and common spotted cuscuses. According to AKPS, initial investigations revealed that the suspects failed to present any documents, permits, or authorisation letters to export the wildlife. 'They have been detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686). 'All the wildlife has been seized and confiscated for further action,' the statement said. AKPS stressed that joint monitoring and enforcement operations involving AKPS, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and the Aviation Security team (AVSEC) will continue to be intensified to combat wildlife smuggling and safeguard the country's biodiversity.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Foreigner arrested after gibbon, terrapins found in luggage at KLIA
SEPANG: A foreigner believed to be a wildlife smuggling "mule" was detained at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after authorities found a black-handed gibbon and red-eared slider terrapins in his luggage. The man from India was nabbed about 10pm on Sunday by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in collaboration with KLIA auxiliary police. Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the man was apprehended just as he was about to board a flight to Tiruchirapalli, India. "A search of the 21-year-old man's luggage was conducted and revealed one black-handed gibbon and six red-eared slider terrapins. "The (suspect) failed to produce any valid documentation for the wildlife in his possession," he said when contacted. Kadir said the estimated value of the seized wildlife was RM12,200. "Initial investigations revealed that the suspect acted as a mule, smuggling wildlife out of Malaysia by concealing them in luggage. "The suspect is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008," he said. Kadir warned the public against possessing or smuggling wildlife. He said Perhilitan was committed to combating wildlife crime in order to ensure the sustainability of the nations natural heritage and biodiversity. "We urge anyone with jnformation on such activities to come forward immediately," he said. The black-handed gibbon, also known as the agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), is an endangered species which can be found in Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Thailand. The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most traded terrapin in the world.
