Two poodles detained at KLIA over microchips

SEPANG: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has detained two poodles from China after their microchips were found to differ from those on their declared import permits.

State director Mohd Sobri Md Hashim said the dogs were detained during a routine inspection at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Cargo area on Tuesday.

“Inspections revealed that the microchip number scanned on the dogs did not match the number declared in the Maqis import permit,” he said in a statement.

Mohd Sobri said that accurate microchip identification was crucial to ensure animals entering the country match the identity stated in the health certificate approved by their country of origin.

The case is being investigated under Section 13 of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011, which provides a fine of not more than RM50,000 or jailed not exceeding two years or both, upon conviction.