SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is strengthening its role as a responsible global gateway through proactive efforts to curb illegal wildlife trafficking.
Its operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), said the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling syndicates requires stronger awareness, early detection and heightened vigilance across the entire airport ecosystem.
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While border enforcement remains under the purview of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and agencies such as the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), MAHB said airport operators play a critical supporting role at the earliest stages of passenger and baggage processing.
To this end, it has introduced ‘Eyes at KUL: Enhancing Frontline Awareness Against Wildlife Trafficking,’ a targeted programme aimed at equipping frontline airport personnel with practical knowledge to identify red flags and escalate concerns appropriately.
The programme involves not only Malaysia Airports’ staff but also the airport community and airport stakeholders such as ground handlers, airlines' ground staff and many others, who are often the first to notice unusual behaviour or suspicious baggage.
“An initial batch of about 200 personnel took part in the programme, with plans to continue and expand the initiative next year,” according to MAHB in a statement.
It said the inclusive approach promotes shared responsibility across the airport community, supported by clear reporting pathways that enable timely intervention while respecting enforcement roles.
“The initiative also reflects our commitment to sustainability, ethical operations and compliance with international aviation standards, reinforcing KLIA’s credibility as a vigilant transit hub,” it said.
Sharing its achievements in combating wildlife trafficking, Malaysia Airports said its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team was the first to identify and intercept more than 22 wildlife trafficking cases between January and November 2025, resulting in the rescue of 7,788 illegally trafficked animals.
Among the notable successes were the interception of Indian Star Tortoises, 116 live Scorpion Mud Tortoises and two gibbons in separate cases through coordinated action with AKPS and Perhilitan, it said.
Meanwhile, Communications Manager at TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Elizabeth John said frontline airport staff are well placed to detect wildlife trafficking if they remain alert to behavioural and operational inconsistencies, through a partnership and collaboration with MAHB.
Elizabeth said airports play a critical role in disrupting trafficking networks as air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to move live wildlife across borders, making airports key interception points.
She added that trained frontline staff, including cleaners and ground personnel, have made a significant difference globally, as seizures often occur after someone notices unusual sounds, smells or leaking baggage.
Meanwhile, AVSEC Baggage Division Inspector Norhayati Osman said vigilance and strict adherence to procedures were key to recent successful interceptions at KLIA.
She said AVSEC officers recently detected two gibbons hidden in checked baggage during security screening and immediately activated response protocols in close coordination with enforcement agencies, underscoring the importance of alert and well-trained frontline personnel in safeguarding both aviation security and wildlife conservation.
