Meet Van & Perry, The 2 Canines Leading The Anti-Wildlife Smuggling Ops In KLIA
These two Belgian Malinois sniffer dogs have helped rescue over RM5.4 million worth of trafficked wildlife.
Cover image via Malaysia Airports (Facebook)Meet Van and Perry, the two Belgian Malinois sniffer dogs at the forefront of anti-wildlife smuggling efforts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) recently introduced the two officers in a Facebook post, highlighting their key roles in intercepting animals smuggled through the airport in the last two years.
"From January 2023 to March 2025, our collaboration with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) led to the rescue of RM5.4 million worth of protected wildlife," said MAHB.
"Trained to detect hidden wildlife in luggage, these four-legged heroes, Van and Perry, help stop smuggling before it takes flight.
"Rest assured, we remain committed to fighting this inhumane crime!" it added.
The Belgian Malinois dogs, donated by MAHB and trained in the Netherlands, are specially conditioned to detect endangered wildlife species
According to Harian Metro, the duo can detect wildlife specimens listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), such as elephant ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales, snakes, and turtles.
Image via Malaysia Airports (Facebook)
PERHILITAN director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the canines have strenghtened enforcement, as smuggling syndicates increasingly target flight routes between Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai or Chennai, India
According to him, a total of 4,200 exotic animals were attempted to be smuggled through KLIA last year — a 42% increase compared to 2023.
"Typically, these animals are placed in plastic containers, wrapped in boxes or foil, and sealed with tape before being checked in as baggage.
"However, this tactic has been intercepted in the cargo zone thanks to intelligence efforts and cooperation between PERHILITAN and other enforcement agencies," he said.
Image via Malaysia Airports (Facebook)
