JOHOR BARU: The Johor branch of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) will conduct continuous operations related to the import and export of agricultural products at eight entry points in the state to ensure that the produce complies with established regulations.
State agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said that the operations are necessary because Johor records the highest agricultural export value in the country, accounting for more than 70%, with a value of RM23.96mil or 6.8 million tonnes from 2023 to 2024.
He said the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Iskandar Puteri records the highest export volume, including exports to regional countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, as well as China and several Middle Eastern countries.
"This success is due to Johor's strategic exit points, supported by world-class port facilities and its status as a leading producer of agricultural products, notably livestock, fruits and vegetables.
"We need to leverage this advantage and potential and the state is now working to further strengthen this sector to increase productivity and expand the export of Johor's agricultural produce," he said in a Facebook post Friday (April 18).
He further explained that these continuous operations also aim to curb common violations, such as undeclared items and discrepancies between goods and declaration forms.
"This operation is essential to ensure that the country's agricultural industry remains free from pests, diseases and contaminants affecting plants, animals, and fish through quarantine, inspection and enforcement," he said. — Bernama
