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**KahiroSamo** · 09-08-2010, 10:56 AM

Wednesday September 8, 2010

Probe on how Wong boarded plane with snakes

By Christina Chin
sgchris@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is still trying to solve the mystery of how wildlife trafficker Anson Wong managed to board a flight at Penang International Airport with a bag full of snakes. “I cannot give you the details of the investigation but we will try to complete it as soon as possible,” said MAHB senior general manager (operations services) Datuk Azmi Murad.

Ninety-five boa constrictors, two rhinoceros vipers and a matamata turtle were found by baggage handlers in Wong’s check-in suitcase during his transit through KLIA from Penang on a flight bound for Jakar_ta. The snakes were found in containers wrapped in sarong. Wong was arrested on Aug 26. He was jailed six months and fined RM190,000 on Monday for smuggling 95 snakes.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh called for transparency and urged the Malay_sian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the alleged involvement of a high-ranking officer from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks with the wildlife dealer. Known as the “Pablo Escobar of the wildlife trade”, Wong had earlier been linked to the proposed tiger park initiated by the Penang government.

Two Bengal tigers allegedly belonging to Wong were previously kept at the Bukit Jambul Hibiscus, Orchids and Reptile Farm but have been moved to a private location. They will eventually be housed in a reptile garden in the forest reserve. Phee said the state government had no dealings with Wong. “All our facilities at the forest reserve are ready but we have yet to move the reptiles and tigers there because we want to make sure that everything is done legally. State MACC director Datuk Latifah Md Yatim could not be reached for comment.

09-08-2010, 10:56 AM	#7
KahiroSamo Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 461 Senior Member	Wednesday September 8, 2010 Probe on how Wong boarded plane with snakes By Christina Chin sgchris@thestar.com.my GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is still trying to solve the mystery of how wildlife trafficker Anson Wong managed to board a flight at Penang International Airport with a bag full of snakes. “I cannot give you the details of the investigation but we will try to complete it as soon as possible,” said MAHB senior general manager (operations services) Datuk Azmi Murad. Ninety-five boa constrictors, two rhinoceros vipers and a matamata turtle were found by baggage handlers in Wong’s check-in suitcase during his transit through KLIA from Penang on a flight bound for Jakar_ta. The snakes were found in containers wrapped in sarong. Wong was arrested on Aug 26. He was jailed six months and fined RM190,000 on Monday for smuggling 95 snakes. State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh called for transparency and urged the Malay_sian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the alleged involvement of a high-ranking officer from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks with the wildlife dealer. Known as the “Pablo Escobar of the wildlife trade”, Wong had earlier been linked to the proposed tiger park initiated by the Penang government. Two Bengal tigers allegedly belonging to Wong were previously kept at the Bukit Jambul Hibiscus, Orchids and Reptile Farm but have been moved to a private location. They will eventually be housed in a reptile garden in the forest reserve. Phee said the state government had no dealings with Wong. “All our facilities at the forest reserve are ready but we have yet to move the reptiles and tigers there because we want to make sure that everything is done legally. State MACC director Datuk Latifah Md Yatim could not be reached for comment.
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