JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) here foiled an attempt to smuggle in centipedes on Monday.
The department said the centipedes were seized after the arrest of an Indonesian man at the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal at 1pm on Monday.
"Following a routine check on the man, from Batam, we found the centipedes inside a package he was carrying. He did not have an import permit for them," Maqis said in a statement.
The live centipedes, worth about RM1,750, were brought in to be use as fish food.
"The case is being investigated under Section 11(1) of the Maqis Act 2011. The suspect was released after his statement was taken," said Maqis.
The department advised all importers and exporters to always follow regulations set by the government to ensure the control of animal, fish and plant diseases and food safety in Malaysia is maintained.