Three live monkeys have been found hidden inside a passenger’s luggage during a routine airport security check.
The animals were discovered after a screener raised the alarm over the contents of a bag.
Further inspections revealed the three creatures inside the baggage at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.
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The incident happened on 6 September, according to a social media post by the airport’s aviation security team on Monday (12 October).
Screener Corporal Shahrul spotted something suspicious during a routine X-ray screening.
The passenger was subsequently removed from the flight, while the animals were handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
Smuggling wildlife without the necessary permits is illegal in Malaysia, as reported by Need To Know.
Under the country’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, offences involving protected species can carry fines and prison sentences, depending on the circumstances.
In a statement, KLIA’s aviation security team said: “Three little lives were counting on someone to notice.
“What looked like an ordinary passenger bag caught our AVSEC team’s attention during a routine X-ray screening at KLIA Terminal 1 on 6 September 2026.
“Screener Corporal Shahrul immediately raised a concern, with further inspections revealing three live animals suspected to be monkeys hidden inside the baggage.
“The passenger was subsequently offloaded, while the animals were handed over to AKPS (PERHILITAN) for further investigation.
“What could have been just another suitcase became a moment that mattered. Three lives were found, their journey was stopped, and help was brought in.”
It is not known whether the passenger was arrested or charged over the incident.
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