JKDM Enhances Airport Security With AI To Curb Wildlife Smuggling

SEMATAN (Sarawak), Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) is enhancing airport monitoring systems by using artificial intelligence (AI)-based scanners to curb wildlife smuggling.

Its director-general, Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said recent smuggling syndicates were found hiding sedated exotic animals in passengers’ luggage.

“Our frontline officers operating the scanners are equipped with neuro-behavioural detection systems and technology capable of identifying suspicious expressions or reactions. If anything unusual is detected, a physical inspection of the luggage may be carried out immediately.

“This initiative supports the objectives of the Khazanah Integrated Operation (OBK) to build a more efficient and intelligence-driven enforcement ecosystem,” she said after chairing the OBK meeting here today.

Anis Rizana said OBK has effectively reduced smuggling activities and forced syndicates to change their routes, minimising Malaysia’s use as a major smuggling hub.

“OBK is not just an inter-agency enforcement effort but a national movement that combines law enforcement with strong conservation commitment,” she added.

From April to September this year, OBK recorded 444 arrests and seizures worth RM338 million.

-- BERNAMA