ISKANDAR PUTERI: An attempt to smuggle ornamental fish from Singapore has been foiled by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex here.
Johor Maqis director Edie Putra Md Yusof said that the fish were seized during an inspection carried out with the Customs Department at about 6pm on Wednesday (Jan 18).
"Following checks on a car at the CIQ, we found three koi fish and five goldfish that were placed in boxes. The car owner also failed to present any import permit or health certificate for the fish, which cost about RM750.
"We have seized the fish for further action," he said in a statement here.
He added that the driver, a 46-year-old Malaysian man, was released after giving his statement to the authorities.
Edie Putra said that the case is being investigated under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act for importing agricultural goods without a permit.
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.
