PETALING JAYA: Several measures have been taken by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to prevent the smuggling of wildlife through the Malaysian airports, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said these proactive steps managed to net syndicates trading in elephant and rhinocerous tusks and exotic reptilies.
"According to data available, the seizure of wildlife by the authorities in India in flights from KLIA1 and KLIA2 recorded eight cases in 2023 and 12 cases in 2024," Nik Nazmi said in a statement after a visit to the KL International Airport (KLIA) terminal to have a look at the enforcement of wildlife trading activities recently.
He also received a briefing from Malaysian Airports Holdings Bhd on baggage screening at KLIA.
"The measures among others involved planning, coordinating and monitoring enforcement at entry gates of KLIA, checking imports and exports on routine consignments at the free trade zone at KLIA to ensure all wildlife consignments follow the provisions under Act 716 and Act 686," he said.
Nik Nazmi said Perhilitan has a K9 unit within the department in Cheras to be activated nationwide when needed.
"Continuous action is being undertaken which involves enforcement with the collaboration of agencies such as the police, Customs Department, Immigration and other integrated Khazanah operations (OBK).
"KLIA is a high risk entry gate for Malaysia for wildlife trading activities and the role and cooperation of all agencies and MAHB is needed for these activities to be detected and eliminated," added Nik Nazmi.
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