PUTRAJAYA: An attempt to smuggle six live gibbons aboard an aircraft was foiled at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.
The exotic animals, stuffed into small carriers and hidden in a suitcase, were detected during routine baggage screening.
“A routine process brought this cruel attempt to the ground when our aviation security team detected a suspicious image on the scanner.
“Working swiftly alongside the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and our airline partners, the team located the passenger and intercepted the smuggling attempt before the aircraft departed,” KLIA said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
The airport said the rescue of the gibbons showed how a united airport community could make a difference in the global fight against wildlife trafficking.
“Snatched from their natural habitats, these vulnerable creatures have no voice to protect themselves, which is why our frontline team must always be their shield.
“We can all play a part by refusing to support the exotic pet trade, staying vigilant when we travel and reporting any suspicious wildlife activities to airport security or the Perhilitan hotline immediately,” it added.
The public can report wildlife-related matters to the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151.
