ISKANDAR PUTERI: More than 21kg of wagyu beef from Japan has been seized at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex here.
Johor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) Director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the beef is estimated to be worth about RM18,832 and was seized during a joint inspection with the Customs Department at about 11.40am on Friday (Dec 20).
“During the inspection, we uncovered three boxes containing wagyu beef at the back of a private vehicle entering the country from Singapore.
Further investigation revealed that the wagyu beef, weighing about 21.4kg, was imported without a veterinary health certificate and halal certification,” he said.
The driver of the car – a Malaysian man in his 40s - was also arrested to assist in the investigation.
Edie Putra said that importing agricultural products without a Maqis permit is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding six years, or both.
"Maqis remains committed to ensuring that plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products, soil, and microorganisms entering the country are free from pests, diseases, and contaminants," he added.
