Latest news with #VanPerry
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Dogs uncover massive smuggling attempts at global airport checkpoint: 'These four-legged heroes help stop smuggling before it takes flight'
Two specially trained detection dogs are now safeguarding endangered species at Malaysia's busiest airport, sniffing out smuggled wildlife before illegal traders can transport them abroad, reported The Vibes. The Belgian Malinois dogs, Van and Perry, help authorities detect concealed animals in passenger luggage. Perhilitan, the country's department of wildlife protection and national parks, intercepted illegal wildlife valued at approximately 5.4 million Malaysian ringgits ($1.27 million) that smugglers attempted to transport through Kuala Lumpur International Airport during 27 months from early 2023 through this March. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad provided the canine team. The dogs were brought from the Netherlands and underwent specialized training to identify items protected under international conservation agreements. "So far, 10 investigation papers have been opened by Perhilitan related to cases of wildlife smuggling through KLIA during the same period. On average, these wild animals are being smuggled to South Asia, Indonesia, and Vietnam," Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim told Harian Metro, via The Vibes. You can appreciate these hard-working dogs for their role in protecting vulnerable creatures like baby siamangs, iguanas, birds, snakes, and turtles. Their work is especially important now, as attempted wildlife smuggling at KLIA has increased by 42% since 2023. When flying internationally, you might be unaware of smugglers' methods. "Usually, these animals are put in plastic containers, packed in boxes, or wrapped with stickers before being checked in as luggage," Abdul Kadir explained to Harian Metro. The dogs' efforts protect both individual animals and help preserve biodiversity. Illegal wildlife trade threatens vulnerable species, especially in ecologically diverse regions like Malaysia. For people who care about conservation, these detection dogs are a compassionate approach to a challenging issue. They help authorities without creating delays for regular travelers. Malaysia Airports Holdings added that the dogs "were trained to detect hidden wildlife in luggage, and these four-legged heroes help stop smuggling before it takes flight," The Vibes shared. Which of these groups has the biggest role to play in reducing food waste? Grocery stores Restaurants Individuals The government Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Who's leading the Perhilitan bust against animal smugglers in KLIA? Meet MAHB's canine heroes Van and Perry
SEPANG, May 14 – Two sniffer dogs named Van and Perry are at the forefront of efforts to curb wildlife smuggling through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), following their deployment by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia. The Belgian Malinois dogs, donated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and trained in the Netherlands, are specially conditioned to detect endangered wildlife species. 'From January 2023 to March 2025, our collaboration with Perhilitan led to the rescue of RM5.4 million worth of protected wildlife,' said MAHB in a Facebook post. 'Trained to detect hidden wildlife in luggage, these four-legged heroes help stop smuggling before it takes flight,' it added, referring to Van and Perry. According to a Harian Metro report, the duo can detect contrabands listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), such as elephant ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales, snakes, and turtles. Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim was quoted saying the canines have bolstered enforcement as smuggling syndicates continue to use KLIA as a key transit point, with over 4,200 exotic animals seized. 'To date, Perhilitan has opened 10 investigation papers related to wildlife smuggling through KLIA during this period,' he said, adding that common targets included turtles, snakes, birds and primates. 'Typically, these animals are placed in plastic containers, wrapped in boxes or covered with adhesive tape before being checked in as baggage,' he said, crediting intelligence gathering and coordination with other enforcement agencies for intercepting many of the attempts. Abdul Kadir noted a 42 per cent rise in wildlife seizures in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting species such as baby siamangs, iguanas, birds and turtles among the most frequently trafficked. Royal Malaysian Customs Department Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin was also quoted saying the agency remains committed to disrupting wildlife smuggling networks despite ongoing challenges. She cited previous enforcement successes, including the seizure of snakes, monitor lizards and red-eared slider turtles bound for India, and the arrest of an Indian national caught trying to smuggle out pangolin scales. The report said flights between KLIA and Indian cities like Mumbai and Chennai have become preferred routes for smuggling syndicates, with Indian authorities recording 56 wildlife seizure cases in 2022, nearly half of which involved arrivals from Kuala Lumpur.
