Singapore seizes 1.2 tonnes of smuggled Malaysian produce
KUALA LUMPUR: The Singapore Food Agency seized some 1.2 tonnes of fresh and processed produce illegally imported from Malaysia.
SFA said the produce was seized in an operation carried out in collaboration with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
It said, on May 28 and 29, SFA and ICA conducted a joint operation on delivery trucks which typically transport produce intended for direct distribution to retailers and customers.
"During the operation, ICA officers at Tuas Checkpoint noticed discrepancies in the consignment transported by two trucks and referred them to SFA for further checks.
"SFA found undeclared and under-declared produce such as spring onion, potato, bayam and cut cabbage imported by two importers in the trucks. All illegally imported produce were seized," SFA said in a statement.
It said SFA was investigating the incident further and will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
"In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA's requirements. Illegally imported produce and food products are of unknown sources and pose a food safety risk.
"Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit.
"Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of S$10,000 (RM32,967) and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years," said the statement.
SFA said safeguarding Singapore's borders remains a top priority for ICA and the latter will continue to conduct security checks to detect and deter illegal importation attempts to keep Singapore safe.
"SFA will continue to safeguard food safety through our integrated food safety system, which includes strict import regulations and enforcement, and work closely with border control agencies to deter illegal importation across our borders," the statement said.
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