Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said his ministry has sent MAHB a reminder to ensure the airport operator has thorough monitoring processes in place.

“All luggage is screened, but why is wildlife still being smuggled on board (planes)?

“We have told MAHB to monitor and strengthen its SOPs to screen luggage, especially hand luggage,” he said after the launch of Kiosk Sentuhan Madani, an initiative aimed at improving public services and expediting government service delivery at KL Sentral today.

The initiative will provide integrated government services from 6am to midnight. Thirty kiosks are expected to be set up nationwide within 24 to 36 months offering services from various government agencies such as the road transport department and TNB.

Loke also said his ministry will ensure that X-ray machines at the airport are upgraded.

His comments come after natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad called last week for increased cooperation between enforcement agencies and MAHB to effectively combat the illegal wildlife trade.

Nik Nazmi, who visited KLIA Terminal 2 on March 7 to observe the enforcement of wildlife trade control activities, said the airport is a high-risk entry point for wildlife smuggling activities.

His visit included a briefing by MAHB of the baggage screening room, baggage area, and scanner machines at KLIA Terminal 2’s departure hall.

Last month, an NGO questioned the state of Malaysia’s aviation security following several foiled attempts to smuggle gibbons into India.

The Gibbon Conservation Society said Indian authorities intercepted three attempts to smuggle the small apes into the country last year.

It said the most recent case, which took place last month, saw an Indian national nabbed for smuggling five infant Siamang gibbons, the largest of the endangered gibbon species, at Mumbai airport. The suspect had travelled from Malaysia.