PORT KLANG: The Malaysian Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) seized 6,887kg of Chinese traditional herb products worth RM213,145 after a trader failed to comply with the necessary import requirements.
Selangor State Maqis director Dr Tarmisal Alimin said the items were seized at the North Klang Port Entrance following inspections carried out by the agency’s enforcement officers.
"During the inspections, the team found that the importer has failed to comply with Maqis import permit requirements.
"The commercial number of the trade permit was not disclosed in the phytosanitary certificate," he said in a statement, here, today.
He said Maqis had confiscated the items for further investigation.
"The failure of the importer to comply with the terms set forth in the import permit constitutes an offence under Section 15 (1) of Act 728.
"If convicted, can be punished under Section 15 (2) with a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years or both," he said.
Tarmisal said Maqis remained committed in increasing control of import and export activities at all entrances to safeguard the security of trade in Malaysia.
"Maqis will continue to ensure safety of agricultural products and food coming in or going out of the country." he said.