By Aida Aziz
Photo MAQIS
LUMUT: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) in Perak has seized over 600 kilograms (kg) of frozen fish and crab meat brought in from Indonesia at the Lumut Port entrance last Tuesday.
According to the Director of MAQIS Perak, Mohd Noor Hashim, the fish included silver pomfret and white pomfret.
He stated that the seizure is estimated to be worth RM50,000 and was discovered during a routine inspection conducted by MAQIS officers at the Lumut Port entrance.
“Further inspection revealed that the pomfret and crab meat stored in the iceboxes did not have a valid import permit from MAQIS.
“All the pomfret and crab meat have been detained for further investigation by MAQIS,” he said here today.
Mohd Noor mentioned that the items were seized for violating the law under Section 11 (1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728).
Violators can face a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to six years, or both.
He added that for a second or subsequent offense, fines can be increased to RM150,000 or imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.
“Act 728 is enforced to ensure that imported plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products, and microorganisms are free from pest threats, diseases, and contaminants, and comply with established requirements and regulations,” he further explained.
