PUTRAJAYA, Nov 1- Wildlife protection laws should be strengthened to prevent the smuggling of endangered animals through airports.

This, in addition to tighter inspection and monitoring procedures.

Speaking to Bernama, Chairman of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said there is the need for regular maintenance of scanning machines at entry points, to ensure that they remain in top condition.

He was commenting on a Oct 26 report highlighting the black-market trade of various endangered species.

This includes ‘golden turtles,’ which are now being illegally trafficked as exotic pets by smuggling rings.