A woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle four rare siamang gibbons at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. She was arrested in a joint operation conducted on Saturday night. The operation was carried out by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and the Airport Aviation Security Department (AVSEC).
Officials said the suspect was trying to smuggle the animals abroad in a bag. The estimated value of the four siamang gibbons recovered is about 120,000 ringgit. She was detained and taken to the Perhilitan office for questioning.
Airport Operation
Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the operation was conducted at about 10.50pm on Saturday. At that time, the luggage of passengers on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tiruchirappalli, India, was being checked.
At that time, the four animals were found in a suspicious bag. It was later confirmed that they were siamang gibbons. The 39-year-old local woman was then detained. She was taken to the airport’s Perhilitan office for questioning.
Suspicion of a Trafficking Ring
Initial investigations suggest that the woman was working for a trafficking ring. Officials believe that she was used as a ‘mule.’ That is, she was carrying the animals in exchange for payment. However, it is not yet certain how much money she received. In addition, the source of these siamangs is also being investigated. Investigators are trying to identify the entire ring.
Introduction to the Siamang Gibbon
The Siamang Gibbon is a rare species of primate, which is usually found in the forests of Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra. Their bodies are covered in black fur, and they have no tail. The siamang is the largest of the gibbon species.
They have a special pouch-like part in their throat, which swells and helps them call loudly. They also have long arms, which help them move from tree to tree. These animals are important for the forest ecosystem.
Legal Action
The incident is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. These laws provide strict punishments against wildlife trafficking. Authorities said that if the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken against the accused.
At the same time, surveillance at the airport will be strengthened to prevent such trafficking. Officials believe that regular operations against international trafficking rings are very important.
Watch the video here:
@vanakkammalaysia Woman arrested at KLIA for attempting to smuggle four gibbons to India latest vanakkammalaysia Woman arrested KLIA attempting smuggle four gibbons India trendingnewsmalaysia malaysiatamilnews fyp vmnews foryoupageofficial
More from Wake Up Singapore:
95-Year-Old Woman’s Last Wish: To See Her Children After 70 Years Apart
School Guard Admits 13 Sexual Offences against 6-Year-Old Child
Boss Provides Language Training, Asks Customers to Show Kindness to Migrant Staff
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
