LABUAN: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) in Labuan has confiscated agricultural produce brought in without a valid import permit.
Among the seized items were 8.36 kilograms of fresh mangoes, two mango saplings, and one sapling of longan.
Maqis, in a statement released yesterday, revealed that all the agricultural produce was brought in by passengers from Brunei.
They said that all the produce entered without a proper import permit at the International Passenger Ferry Terminal Entry Point for the Federal Territory of Labuan on November 21.
"The inspection conducted by Maqis officers found that these agricultural products were brought in using hand carry.
"The agricultural produce was brought in without any importation documents such as the Maqis Import Permit and Phytosanitary Certificate," the statement said.
According to them, the estimated value of the confiscated goods is RM145 based on the current market price.
"Maqis emphasised that even though the value of the confiscation is low, the risk of the entry of pests along with the seized commodities could negatively impact the country's agricultural industry.
"The seizure is being investigated under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728).
"If found guilty, a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years, or both, may be imposed.
"For the second or subsequent offenses, a fine not exceeding RM150,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both, may be imposed," the statement said.
In this regard, Maqis said that law enforcement actions will continue to be expanded at all entry points in the country to monitor and inspect every agricultural output entering the country.
This is to ensure that plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products, and microorganisms imported into the country are free from threats of pests, diseases, and contaminants, and comply with the stipulated terms and regulations.