An attempt to smuggle 23 dogs of multiple breeds was successfully prevented by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) Perak and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Perak) at Pengkalan Hulu customs, immigration and quarantine complex (ICQS) recently.
The canines of Pomeranian, Shih Tzu and French Bulldog breeds, estimated to be worth around RM20,000, were concealed in a transit lorry transporting fruits from Thailand to Singapore.
According to the director of MAQIS Perak, Rozita Superman in a media statement, inspections performed on the said truck around 4pm had found 23 caged dogs and were hidden among the loads of fruits.
“Preliminary investigations believed that the animals were to be sold at local markets as pets,” she said. “No official supporting documents issued by MAQIS and health certificates from their country of origin were found.”
Rozita added that failure to provide import permit is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728). If found guilty, the person may be fined up to RM100,000, jailed up to six years, or both.
“The lorry driver, who is a Malaysian citizen, has been arrested to facilitate investigation,” she mentioned.
Every imported agricultural produce, which includes reared animals, must adhere to regulations set by the government to ensure that they are free from diseases.
Meanwhile, all 23 dogs were confiscated and are currently awaiting decision from the Director of MAQIS on whether they are to be released or auctioned. The case is still under investigation.
Rosli Mansor
