PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Two local men were arrested on Wednesday (May 21) for allegedly attempting to smuggle out over 300 exotic animals worth about RM460,000 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, according to the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
It said the authorities inspected the luggage belonging to the two men at 6.30am and found all the animals hidden.
Among the exotic species seized were blue iguanas, red-eared sliders, savannah monitors, Nile monitors, and common spotted cuscuses.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects failed to present documents, permits, or authorisation letters to export the wildlife.
“They have been detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.
“All the wildlife has been seized and confiscated for further action,” AKPS said in a statement today.
It 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 Malaysia's biodiversity.
— Bernama
