PETALING JAYA: An attempt to smuggle 2.09 tonnes of agricultural produce from Thailand into Malaysia without valid permits and certification was foiled by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Rantau Panjang.
The seizure, valued at RM17,403, included ginger, galangal, cabbage, kemili yam, bananas, limes and lemongrass.
“The offence involved the importation of goods without a MAQIS Import Permit under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728),” the agency said in a statement on Monday (Feb 16).
The agency said the entire consignment has been detained and seized for further action by the relevant authorities.
“AKPS will continue to strengthen controls at the country’s entry points to ensure food safety, compliance with the law and the protection of consumers’ interests,” it said.
As of Feb 15, AKPS Rantau Panjang has recorded seizures of various goods and offences under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency Act 2024 (Act 860) and related laws, amounting to RM96,068.
The public and industry players have also been urged to ensure that all import documentation, particularly halal certification and food safety, is complete and valid in accordance with current regulations.
