Three live monkeys found hidden in passenger baggage at KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR: Three live animals believed to be monkeys were found hidden inside a passenger’s baggage during a routine X-ray screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 last month.

KLIA said in a social media post on Oct 12 that the discovery was made on Sept 6 after Aviation Security (AVSEC) screener Corporal Shahrul noticed something unusual while examining the baggage.

Further inspection found three live animals suspected to be monkeys concealed inside.

The passenger was subsequently offloaded from the flight under suspicion of illegal wildlife trafficking, while the animals were handed over to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) for further investigation.

Members of the public who come across suspected wildlife trafficking or the illegal transport of animals are urged to alert PERHILITAN, AKPS or the relevant authorities immediately.

Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), a person who commits an offence involving protected wildlife may, upon conviction, be liable to a fine, imprisonment or both, depending on the offence and species involved.