MAHB Tightens Wildlife Smuggling Checks At KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling wildlife smuggling at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) through tighter security measures and closer cooperation with enforcement agencies.  

As KLIA’s operator, MAHB said its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team remains focused on preventing illegal activities that could threaten passenger safety and air transport.  

“While our baggage handling system is designed to prioritise critical security concerns, MAHB remains committed to combating wildlife smuggling through close collaboration with all relevant authorities,” it said in a statement.

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The airport operator said it works closely with key agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), and the Royal Malaysian Police.  

It also partners with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as TRAFFIC to raise awareness and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts. These collaborations have led to enhanced security checks and targeted baggage screening on high-risk flights.  

MAHB has also contributed resources to boost detection capabilities. 

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In June 2024, it donated two Belgian Malinois K9 detection dogs to Perhilitan, trained to sniff out endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn, pangolin scales, snakes, and turtles.  

Recent seizures include five endangered Asian Koel birds worth RM65,000 at KLIA Terminal 2 and 4,386 endangered Pig-nosed Turtles concealed in seven suitcases bound for Hanoi.  

Through stricter security, strategic partnerships, and proactive enforcement, MAHB said it continues to safeguard aviation integrity while protecting passengers, wildlife, and national security. 

On March 13, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said MAHB had been directed to enhance monitoring and baggage screening at KLIA to tackle wildlife smuggling.

This followed a statement by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who said Malaysia had become a transit country for smuggling high-value wildlife parts. 

--BERNAMA