Wong, nicknamed the "Lizard King" and described as one of the world's most-wanted traffickers, was handed the sentence Monday for attempting to smuggle 95 endangered boa constrictors to neighbouring Indonesia.

WWF Malaysia has described the penalty as a "slap on the wrist" and urged authorities to revoke Wong's licences to trade in wildlife and permits to operate wildlife establishments.

"The sentence was too low so I instructed that we appeal the sentence. So the notice has now been signed and the appeal has been filed," said Abdul Majib Hamzah, head of prosecutions at the attorney general's chambers.

"We decided that an appeal had to be filed following the sentencing on the very day itself," he told AFP.

Wong was sentenced under laws that prohibit the export of animals without a permit and also fined 190,000 ringgit (61,000 dollars).

Malaysian airport authorities are reportedly investigating how Wong managed to board a flight from the resort island of Penang with the suitcase full of snakes, which broke open while in transit in Kuala Lumpur.

"I cannot give you the details of the investigation but we will try to complete it as soon as possible," Malaysia Airports Holdings senior general manager Azmi Murad told the Star daily.

Wildlife groups said the sentence and fine were far too lenient, and a tragic missed opportunity to throw the book at "a man who has brought shame to this country".

Wong was reportedly sentenced to 71 months in jail in the United States in 2001 after he pleaded guilty to trafficking charges.

Despite efforts by Southeast Asian authorities to crack down on animal smuggling, the practice still persists in the region, posing a threat to endangered species, activists say.

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