GELANG PATAH: A lorry carrying long cabbages was directed to turn back to Singapore after the vegetables were found to have been infested with pests.
Johor Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Edie Putra Md Yusof said the lorry was directed to turn back on Monday (Aug 19).
He said the lorry had entered Johor via the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah from Singapore.
"The long cabbages in 216 boxes worth RM6,800 weighing 2,160kg greens were inspected," he said in a statement.
Edie Putera said life pests known as phyllotreta were found on the inspected vegetables.
He said it was an offence to import agricultural products contaminated with pests, diseases or contaminated with substances.
Eddi Putra said it was an offence under Section 14(a) of the Maqis Act 2011 to import the products.
He said if convicted offenders could face a penalty of not more than RM100,000 or jail not more than six years or both.
Eddie Putra said the department would continue monitoring the country's entry point to safeguard the people's food security.
