JOHOR BARU: Authorities have foiled a filthy smuggling attempt at the border involving 10 tonnes of animal excrement.
The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) stopped the attempt after intercepting a Malaysian-registered lorry loaded with 22 sacks of what is believed to be chicken manure at the Sultan Iskandar Building checkpoint.
Johor Maqis director Eddie Putra Md Yusof said the cargo, weighing 10,000kg and estimated to be worth RM10,000, was seized at around 3.30pm on Tuesday (May 13) during checks at the lorry import lane.
"Further inspection revealed that no import permit had been issued for the shipment, which we believe to be chicken manure," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 15).
The 39-year-old lorry driver was detained and later released after providing a statement to assist with investigations.
Eddie Putra said importing any type of agricultural product without a valid Maqis permit is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728).
Offenders face up to RM100,000 in fines, six years in jail, or both.
"We will ensure that plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products, soil and microorganisms brought into Malaysia are free from the threats of pests, diseases and contaminants," said Eddie Putra.
