M'sian arrested in India for suspected animal trafficking, 9 primates found

Summary

• A Malaysian has been arrested along with an Indian national in India yesterday over the suspected trafficking of 9 infant primates.

• All of the animals are believed to have been smuggled from Malaysia, however, they were found dead except for one.

Indian authorities have arrested a Malaysian woman and a local man over suspected animal trafficking in south Mumbai yesterday.

During a raid on a hotel room, they discovered nine infant primates, including siamang gibbons, agile gibbons and pig-tailed macaques believed to be smuggled from Malaysia.

However, only one of the animals was found alive, albeit in critical condition, while the rest were dead, said an Indian official to news portal ThePrint yesterday.

The surviving primate has been sent to wildlife experts for treatment and care.

The suspects - Shriram Subramanyam, 30, from Chennai and Malaysian Mathavi Sollakunnu, 59 - have been placed under remand.

Rising smuggling via KLIA cases

Malaysia is considered a major transit point for the trafficking of endangered animals to other parts of Asia.

In March, Transport Minister Anthony Loke reprimanded Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) over rising cases of wildlife being smuggled out of the country.

Last month, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry said 10 investigation papers have been opened in connection with wildlife smuggling at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) between 2023 and April this year.

The cases involve the smuggling of exotic and native species, including turtles, snakes, birds, and primates.

“The ministry takes this issue seriously, as such activities have been on the rise in recent times.

“Wildlife smuggling not only threatens endangered species but also poses security risks and affects Malaysia’s image on the international stage,” it said.

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