M’sia stops import of Aussie rockmelons

CYBERJAYA: Malaysia has temporarily halted the import of rockmelons from Australia following reports of four deaths there linked to the fruit.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the action was taken due to concerns over the fruit being contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhoea and death.