KLANG: Five containers carrying fish and animal-based products worth RM1.85mil were seized for being imported without valid permits in Port Klang.
Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) commander Deputy Comm Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said the seizures were made during two separate operations at the Container Freight Station (CFS 4), Westport on Wednesday (Feb 11).
"In the first operation conducted between 11.30am and 1pm, officers seized one container containing canned tuna imported from Vietnam.
"The haul, weighing an estimated 15,360kg, was valued at RM219,420.88," he said when contacted Thursday (Feb 12).
In the second operation carried out between 3pm and 5pm, four containers loaded with whole milk powder imported from New Zealand were seized, he said.
"The products weighed approximately 100.8 tonnes and were estimated to be worth RM1.6mil.
"Total seizure from both cases amounted to RM1,85mil involving a combined weight of 116.16 tonnes," he added.
Initial inspections found that all the goods were brought in without valid import permits issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), DCP Nik Ezanee said.
"The seizures were carried out as a preventive measure to mitigate the risk of animal diseases entering the country and to ensure compliance with food safety standards and the protection of public health.
"The case is being investigated under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for importing goods without a valid MAQIS permit," he added.
He said the agency is committed to strengthening border controls and taking firm action against any party found violating existing laws to safeguard national security, public wellbeing and sovereignty.
