SEPANG: A British Shorthair cat was denied entry into the country by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) due to its dubious import permit.
It was understood that the serial number of the microchip implanted in the female cat was not the same as on the permit provided.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Cargo MAQIS Entrance chief Mohamed Maelah said his team conducted checks on 12 imported cats from Russia at the Sepang cargo complex on Aug 1.
“Following the checks, we found one dubious import permit and MAQIS took action by detaining the cat for further investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for producing a fake, inaccurate or misleading permit,” he said in a statement today.
He added that if convicted, the offender could be fined not more than RM50,000 or jailed not more than two years, or both.
In a separate case on July 29, he said three bonsai trees imported from Tanzania were denied entry for not having a legal import permit.
“Importing bonsai trees without a valid import permit from this department is an offence under Section 11 (1) of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728), punishable under Section 11 (3) of the same act.
“If convicted, the offender can be fined not more than RM100,000 or jailed not more than six years, or both,” he said.