PADANG BESAR: Perlis Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) seized 2,061kg of vegetables and fruits worth RM9,277 after foiling a smuggling attempt from Thailand, last week.
The seizure was made on Jan 9 in a joint operation with Padang Besar Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem), which had previously detained three lorries in Padang Besar.
Perlis Maqis director Mohamad Arshad Raffin, in a statement today, said the vehicles were transporting a large number of vegetables and fruits for trade.
"We found out the three lorries were transporting other produce, such as pineapples, mangoes, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, spring onions, sweet potatoes and red onions estimated to weigh about 2,061kg and worth RM9,277.
"We also found that these items did not meet the imported specification regulations set by Maqis, other than the lack of valid import permit.
"The case is being investigated under Section 11(3) of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728), which is punishable under the same act.
"If convicted, the smugglers are liable to a maximum fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to six years, or both," he said.