16/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026 5 KLIA cracking down on wildlife trafficking SEPANG: KL International Airport (KLIA) is strengthening its role as a responsible global gateway through proactive efforts to address illegal wildlife trafficking. Its operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling syndicates requires stronger awareness, early detection and heightened vigilance across the airport ecosystem. MAHB said while border enforcement remains under the purview of the Border Control and Protection Agency and agencies such as the Wildlife and National Parks Department, airport operators play a critical supporting role at the earliest stages of passenger and baggage processing. To this end, it has introduced “Eyes at KUL: Enhancing Frontline Awareness Against Wildlife Trafficking”, a targeted programme aimed at equipping frontline airport personnel with practical knowledge to identify red flags and escalate concerns appropriately. The programme involves not only MAHB staff, but also the airport community and airport stakeholders, such as ground handlers, airline ground staff and many others, who are often the first to notice unusual behaviour or suspicious baggage. “An initial batch of about 200 personnel took part in the programme, with plans to continue and expand the initiative next year,” MAHB said in a statement. It added that the inclusive approach promotes shared responsibility across the airport community, supported by clear reporting pathways that enable timely intervention while respecting enforcement roles. Sharing its achievements in addressing wildlife trafficking, MAHB said its aviation security team was the first to identify and intercept more than 22 wildlife trafficking cases between January and November 2025, resulting in the rescue of 7,788 illegally trafficked animals. Among the notable successes were the interception of Indian star tortoises, 116 live scorpion mud turtles and two gibbons in separate cases through coordinated action with the agency and the department, it said. – Bernama Officers trained to spot suspicious acts KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has trained 65 frontline officers in neuro-linguistic and neuro-diversity programming to enhance their ability to identify suspicious passenger behaviour. Its director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the trained officers are capable of assessing facial expressions, body language and movements during inspections, enabling more detailed checks to be carried out on individuals deemed suspicious, Bernama reported. “The approach based on specialised training, intelligence and technology helps the department balance the need to facilitate legitimate trade and ensure law enforcement is implemented effectively to protect national security and public safety.” On a separate matter, Anis Rizana said the 44th International Customs Day will be celebrated on Jan 26 in Cyberjaya and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The celebration will feature various activities, including exhibitions of seized items that will be open to the public. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment”. Anis Rizana said vigilance refers to the department’s role in ensuring prohibited and dangerous goods are not brought into the country through container inspections and compliance with permit requirements set by relevant agencies.

Blast highlights importance of maintenance, safety audits

o Potential accidents preventable through proper engineering controls and management systems: Specialist

closely to ensure inspections are conducted responsibly and thoroughly. “Participation from top management down to the personnel supervising routine checks is essential to maintain a safe environment,” he said. In the aftermath of the explosion, he recommended immediate measures, such as investigating the root cause, isolating or replacing the source of the blast and, where necessary, constructing structural barriers to buffer future incidents. For long-term safety, he advised universities, particularly those with older or high-traffic facilities, to prioritise upgrades. “Obsolete equipment should be replaced with modern, state-of-the-art systems and parts experiencing frequent malfunctions must be addressed without delay.” He also cautioned that the investigation is ongoing, adding that one fatality and several injuries have been reported. “We are not in a position to draw conclusions at this stage as it could interfere with the investigation.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Zailani weighed in on the engineering and safety issues surrounding the explosion. “Higher learning institutions maintain dedicated teams to oversee all installations sensitive to fire or explosions. “This vigilance is why such mishaps are extremely rare in Malaysia.” He stressed that many potential accidents are preventable through proper engineering controls and management systems. “Facilities are equipped with sensors to detect irregularities. “These warnings give personnel sufficient time to respond, often preventing accidents before they occur.” Routine maintenance and safety audits are equally critical. According to Warid Wazien, university management and maintenance teams work

PETALING JAYA: A recent explosion at a private university along Jalan Semantan in Bukit Damansara has highlighted the importance of engineering controls, routine maintenance and safety audits in preventing such incidents. The blast, which occurred near a cafeteria-side maintenance area, has been preliminarily linked to an air-conditioning compressor and related maintenance work. While investigations are ongoing, safety experts caution against drawing early conclusions about the cause. Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty Industry, Community and Alumni Network coordinator Dr Warid Wazien Ahmad

Azam looking at the cash that was seized in Op Star at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

MACC seizes RM11m in former army chief probe PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized cash and assets worth RM11.4 million in its investigation into a corruption case involving an army procurement tender linked to a former army chief. public prosecutor and the courts under Section 41 of the MACC Act 2009. On Jan 7, the former army chief and his two wives were arrested over the procurement tender project.

final phase after two weeks of intensive work, during which 23 individuals have been arrested and 22 investigation papers relating to corruption offences have been opened. He also said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for the offences of accepting bribes and abusing power by public servants, as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, adding that 30 witnesses have had their statements recorded. He said one of the key challenges in the investigation was tracing financial transactions that had only been partially reported by a complainant. “In corruption cases, we must establish who gave the money. That is what we are working on. For that, MACC had to obtain bank documents and seek help from Bank Negara and the banks involved.” The case resulted in 27 contractors detained to assist in the investigation before being released after their statements were recorded. – Bernama

He was remanded for seven days while one of his wives was held for three days and the other for six days. The former army chief was released on Monday. Azam said investigation papers are expected to be completed by Monday. “I have instructed that the investigation papers be completed by Monday next week and then submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (for further action).” According to him, once the investigation papers are submitted, the prosecutor would examine all evidence, including financial transactions, witness statements and intelligence findings linked to the Armed Forces procurement issue. He confirmed that MACC would recommend that two individuals be charged in the case. Azam said the investigation has entered its

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the items were seized at a house in Kuala Lumpur and another in Besut, Terengganu, following intelligence gathering and investigative leads. The seized items include RM4.4 million in cash, foreign currency equivalent to RM1.4 million and a car valued at RM360,000. Also seized were 26 luxury watches worth RM2.3 million, jewellery valued at RM294,000, two diamond rings worth RM20,000, 3.7kg of gold bars valued at RM2.5 million, a 150g gold medallion worth RM102,000 and two gold dinars weighing 8.5g and valued at RM5,700. In addition, 75 company bank accounts containing RM32.5 million have been frozen as part of the investigation. Azam said MACC would seek forfeiture of all seized assets for transfer to the government for public benefit, subject to approval by a deputy