23-05-2025
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.
