Global Courant 2023-04-19 11:45:22
JOHOR BAHRU – A driver of a Singapore-registered car has been detained for attempting to smuggle freshwater shrimp seeds into Malaysia.
The vehicle was detained by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) and Johor Customs.
Johor Maqis said the car was detained at the Sultan Abu Bakar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex at 1am on Tuesday.
“On inspection, we found about 100 shrimp seeds worth RM400 (S$120) hidden in four boxes that had been modified,” said Johor Maqis.
It said the shrimp seeds were brought in without a Maqis import license and health certificate using a private vehicle on the import lane.
“Further investigation showed that the driver who tried to smuggle the shrimp seeds had no documents to bring in the shellfish,” it added.
Maqis said the biosecurity check of Malaysia’s shrimp seeds was to ensure the country’s agricultural industry is protected.
“The smuggled shrimp seeds may carry diseases that threaten our aquamarine industry,” it said.
The suspect has been detained for further action and to assist in the investigation.
If convicted of importing agricultural products without a Maqis import license, an offender could face a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six years, or both. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
