Maqis stops ship carrying 160 tonnes of pest-infested copra

JOHOR BAHRU: A commercial vessel bringing in pest-infested copra (dried coconut flesh) weighing 160 tonnes from Indonesia was denied entry at Batu Pahat Jetty and ordered to turn back on Monday (Jan 9).

Johor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) director Edie Putra Md Yusof said it was made following an inspection carried out by the department's enforcement officers at about noon last Thursday.

Following the inspection, the department found pests believed to be red-legged ham beetles infesting the copra estimated to be worth RM272,000, he said.

"Therefore, the ship was not allowed to enter to avoid the spread of pests that can affect the country's coconut industry. The ship was denied entry and ordered to return to its country of origin, which is Indonesia.

"Importing any type of agricultural produce infested with pests is an offence under Section 14 of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) and is punishable under Section 14 of the same act," he said in a statement on Monday night.

Offenders can be fined a maximum of RM100,000 or a maximum of six years of imprisonment or both if convicted, he added.- Bernama