25 tonnes of frozen pork from Australia seized

PORT KLANG - The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has foiled an attempt to smuggle in 24 tonnes of frozen pork worth RM180,000 believed to be from Australia at West Port in Port Klang last Wednesday.

Selangor Maqis director Mohd Sobri Md Hashim said the activity was detected during an inspection carried out by the department involving a container.

"The inspection conducted found that the container carrying the frozen pork did not comply with the conditions of the import permit issued by Maqis.

"The importer failed to present a certified processing plant label on the goods packaging as stated in the conditions of the approved import permit," he said in a statement today.

Sobri said failure to comply with the conditions set by Maqis in the import permit was considered an offence under Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011, which is punishable under Section 15(2) of the same Act.

"A person could be fined not more than RM100,000 or jailed for a period not exceeding six years, or both if convicted.

"Maqis always ensures that imported agricultural products come from plants that have been approved to ensure the food sources brought into the country are free from any risk of diseases and of high quality," he said.