Two men held for attempted smuggling of exotic animals worth RM460,000 at KLIA
PUTRAJAYA: Two local men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle out more than 300 exotic animals worth about RM460,000 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, according to the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
In a statement today, AKPS said inspections by the authorities at around 6.30 am found all the animals hidden in the luggage belonging to the two men.
Among the exotic species seized were blue iguanas, red-eared sliders, savannah monitors, Nile monitors, and common spotted cuscuses.
According to AKPS, initial investigations revealed that the suspects failed to present any documents, permits, or authorisation letters to export the wildlife.
'They have been detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).
'All the wildlife has been seized and confiscated for further action,' the statement said.
AKPS 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 the country's biodiversity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
22 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Pahang lecturer loses RM294,000 to bogus cop, fake e-commerce platform officer
KUANTAN: A lecturer who was tricked into believing he would face jail time and caning for alleged involvement in money laundering lost RM294,000 to fraudsters. The 44-year-old victim from Maran was deceived by two men posing as an officer from an e-commerce platform and a policeman. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the incident began on April 30 when the victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an officer from Lazada. "The caller alleged that the lecturer's phone number had been used in fraudulent activities. "The call was then transferred to another person, who introduced himself as a policeman and claimed that the victim's number was linked to forged documents and money laundering. "The victim panicked when the policeman told him that the offences can lead to imprisonment and caning. "Fearing legal repercussions, the victim made 17 transactions totaling RM294,000 to 11 bank accounts provided by the fraudster," he said today. Yahaya said the fake policeman told the victim to report to him five times a day through WhatsApp and video calls, supposedly as part of the bogus investigation. He said police investigations revealed that the victim had emptied his savings, borrowed money from family members and took a bank loan to comply with the fraudsters' demands. He advised the public to be cautious when receiving calls from unknown individuals and to verify any claims with the authorities, including the nearest police station or check at before making fund transfers.
The Star
32 minutes ago
- The Star
Director fined for unauthorised distribution of subsidised diesel
JOHOR BARU: A toxic waste management company director was slapped with a RM110,000 fine by the Sessions Court here after he pleaded guilty to the distribution of subsidised diesel. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN)'s Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said Ong Kong Hong, 45, was brought to court on Monday (June 30), where he made the plea. 'He was charged for possessing about 46,000 litres of diesel worth RM115,000. 'The activities were uncovered when a KPDN enforcement team raided his toxic waste management company in Masai at around 12pm on April 17, 2022, upon receiving information from the police,' she said in a statement on Tuesday (July 1). The offence was framed under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Lilis Saslinda added that Sessions judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim ordered Ong to pay a fine of RM110,000 in default of eight months' imprisonment. The court also instructed for the diesel, a lorry and tanker that were seized during the raid to be confiscated by the government. The case was prosecuted by KPDN's deputy public prosecutor Shafiq Mahadi. Ong, who was represented by a counsel, paid the fine.
The Star
33 minutes ago
- The Star
MCMC records statement from man over an allegedly offensive post.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has initiated investigation and recorded statements from an individual in connection with a racially charged post uploaded on his social media account. According to the commission, the post allegedly contained racial remarks in reference to the recent appointment of the new Lieutenant General of the Malaysian Armed Forces, which carried a provocative narrative with the potential to disrupt national unity and harmony. "As part of the investigation, the individual was called in to give a statement and assist with inquiries. "MCMC also seized one mobile phone and one SIM card to aid the investigation," said MCMC in a statement on Tuesday. (July 1) It added the case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction. The commission also reminded the public to not upload, share or disseminate any content that touches on religious, racial, or royal institution sensitivities (3R), especially those that could divide society and threaten national harmony. "MCMC remains committed to ensuring that Malaysia's cyberspace remains safe, secure and respected, in line with efforts to strengthen national unity and harmony among the country's multiracial citizens," the commission added. Earlier, in a now-deleted Facebook post, Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad suggested that the appointment of Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as the first ethnic Chinese Lt Gen will open the door for Malaysia to "have its first Chinese prime minister 30 to 40 years from now". Lim, a Melaka-born officer, had served in the military for 41 years, and said he had joined the army in 1984 to help contain the communist insurgency. (ends)
