BATU PAHAT: Some 160 tonnes of copra – dried sections of coconut kernel – worth more than RM200,000 from Indonesia have been seized by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) at the Batu Pahat jetty here.
Johor Maqis director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the shipment was seized after an inspection found it was infected with pests, believed to be red-legged ham beetles.
"As such, the copra worth about RM272,000 is not allowed to enter Malaysia as it may affect the coconut industry in the country.
"The vessel ferrying the goods was denied entry and will need to return to its home country, Indonesia," he said in a statement on Monday (Jan 9).
The seizure was made under Section 14 of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act (Act 728) for importing agricultural goods that contain pests, diseases or pollutants.
The offence is punishable with a fine of not more than RM100,000 or jail term of up to six years, or both, upon conviction.
A repeat offender could face a fine of up to RM150,000 or a maximum of seven years’ jail, or both, he added.
Edie Putra advised import and export firms to abide by the law and regulations to prevent the spread of diseases in animals and plants as well as to safeguard food security.
