More Eyes, Less Wildlife Trafficking at Malaysia’s Main International Airport

Malaysia’s strong air connectivity positions its airports as vital gateways for global travel, tourism and trade, but also attractive targets for wildlife traffickers. 

An array of wildlife ranging from tortoises to primates and lizards, were seized in 35 smuggling incidents via air linked to the country in 2025 alone. More than 22,000 individual animals were seized in these cases.  

In recognition of the vital role human awareness plays in detecting wildlife smuggling, and its ability to complement technological tools, Malaysia Airports partnered with TRAFFIC to strengthen frontline vigilance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Malaysia Airports operates 39 airports in Malaysia and one in Istanbul, Turkiye, with KLIA as its flagship hub.  

Through its Eyes at KUL: Enhancing Frontline Awareness Against Wildlife Trafficking initiative, around 200 frontline personnel from across airport operations and services gained practical knowledge to identify and respond to wildlife trafficking. 

Participants included aviation security officers, ground handlers and airline ground staff whose roles allow them to spot irregularities or potential risks in passenger and baggage movement. 

The sessions, led by TRAFFIC’s training and capacity building team, focused on practical indicators of wildlife trafficking, common concealment methods, and established reporting mechanisms to ensure quick reporting to relevant enforcement agencies.  

“Airports are central to efforts to prevent wildlife from moving further in the trafficking chain. Even small observations like unexpected noises, unusual smells, or movement in baggage can help to intercept trafficked wildlife,” 

said Long Seh Ling, Training & Capacity Building Lead at TRAFFIC Southeast Asia. 

“Apart from learning new trends and skills, the initiative was also an opportunity for frontliners to network and build a community watching out for and acting on wildlife crime at the airport,” she added. 

“Malaysia Airports recognises the important role that frontline personnel and airport partners play at the earliest stages of passenger and baggage processing,”

said Shukreen Ma, General Menager of Corporate Communications, Malaysia Airports. 

“Embedding wildlife trafficking awareness and practical vigilance into daily operations creates shared responsibility among all stakeholders, ensuring airports run smoothly while protecting people and wildlife,” said Ma.