Syndicates using KLIA as key hub for wildlife smuggling

Syndicates using KLIA as key hub for wildlife smuggling

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of endangered wildlife, including turtles, snakes and primates, valued at RM6.18 million, were seized at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) between 2024 and September this year.

“The haul of 5,059 live animals from just 18 cases suggests the airport is an increasingly popular smuggling route for international syndicates,” said Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim.

He said the syndicates use paid couriers, or “mules”, to transport the wildlife in hidden compartments within check-in luggage for up to RM1,000 per trip, adding 12 people were arrested in connection with the cases, including two women.

Those arrested were seven Malaysians, two Indonesians and three Indians.

“Our investigations suggest that the syndicates also covered food and accommodation for the mules,” Kadir said.

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Among the species seized were Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), Pig-nose turtles (Carettochelys insculpta), Green iguanas (Iguana iguana), Green tree pythons (Morelia viridis), the Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) and White-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar).

“These reptiles and primates are highly sought after by exotic pet enthusiasts. Some are sourced locally while others are either bred illegally or smuggled in from neighbouring countries before being re-exported through KLIA.”

EXPANDED ENFORCEMENT DATA

Kadir said between 2024 and September 2025, 18 wildlife smuggling cases were recorded at KLIA.

“Six of these have already been resolved with judgments, while the remainder are either still in court, under investigation, or marked as no further action.”

Investigations revealed that India was the final destination in most of the cases. The wildlife may either remain in India or eventually be trafficked into the Chinese market.

The department currently deploys 19 staff for management and enforcement activities across KLIA’s Free Commercial Zone (Cargo), KLIA Terminal 1, and KLIA Terminal 2. Their operations are divided between a cargo office and a Terminal office.

The team is supported by four K9 dogs, which assist in planned enforcement operations at KLIA.

“Baggage inspections with the K9 unit are carried out in coordination with Airport Security (AVSEC) under Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.”

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Perhilitan has tightened checks on baggage, cargo and consignments at KLIA’s terminals, supported by verification of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora permits via the My Other Government Agencies system and patrols in cargo and animal-handling zones.

“Joint operations such as Op Paison, Op Sambar, Op AVSEC and Op Bersepadu Khazanah, alongside K9 detection teams, have been mobilised.

“Internationally, Malaysia also participates in Interpol and World Customs Organisation crackdowns such as Op Thunder and Op Golden Strike,” he said, adding that they “would not compromise”.

He said anyone involved in wildlife smuggling would face action under the Wildlife Conservation Act and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act.

Kadir urged the public to report suspected trafficking via the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or its website, www.wildlife.gov.my.