Latest news with #MalaysianQuarantineandInspectionServicesDepartment
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Maqis intercepts massive load of smuggled animal waste at Johor checkpoint
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.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Maqis seizes over a tonne of seaweed extract from China
BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), Penang has detained a consignment of carrageenan, or seaweed extract, from China at the Butterworth Wharves Cargo Terminal (BWCT) here. The entire shipment, weighing 1.025 metric tonnes and valued at RM30,000, was held following an inspection by Maqis enforcement officers who discovered that the imported goods did not have a valid Maqis import permit as required by law. Maqis, in a statement released this afternoon, said the importation of carrageenan without a valid Maqis import permit was an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 [Act 728]. Upon conviction, offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, jailed for up to six years, or both, under Section 11(3) of the same Act. "The seizure of the consignment without a valid import permit underscores Maqis' firm commitment to ensuring that all imports into the country comply with legal requirements. "Stern action will be taken against any party found violating these conditions to safeguard the nation's biosecurity and safety controls," it added.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor sets the standards with agricultural exports
JOHOR BARU: The southern state has cemented its status as Malaysia's largest agricultural exporter, with more than 70% of products worth RM23.96bil supplied between 2023 and 2024, says exco Datuk Zahari Sarip. The state agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman said this was according to figures released by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis). He said the export volume represented 6.8 million tonnes of agricultural products shipped through eight checkpoints across the state, making Johor the clear leader in agricultural trade. 'The Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Iskandar Puteri contributed the lion's share of this achievement, handling RM10.3bil worth of agricultural exports, equivalent to 3.49 million tonnes of goods. 'Johor's strategic location near major regional markets such as Singapore and Indonesia has been a major factor behind its export success, with routes also extending further to China and the Middle East,' he said. Zahari added that the state's performance reflected its geographical advantage and strong agricultural production base. 'Our export strength is not just due to our proximity to international markets but is also supported by world class port facilities and Johor's standing as Malaysia's top producer of fruits, vegetables and livestock products,' he said. He also said the state government was committed to further strengthening the sector by introducing new initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and expanding export opportunities for local farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. 'I can assure you that we will fully leverage Johor's natural advantages to empower our agricultural sector and contribute more significantly to the nation's economy,' he added. Zahari also said that he recently joined an agricultural export operation at the KSAB checkpoint, carried out by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and Maqis. He added that through the operation, he was able to witness firsthand the inspection and documentation processes conducted at the checkpoint to ensure agricultural products meet international export standards. 'Maqis plays a crucial role in overseeing quarantine, inspection and enforcement procedures at entry and exit points, quarantine stations and certified premises nationwide. 'Their responsibilities cover the import and export of plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural produce, soil and microorganisms, in addition to enforcement related to food safety regulations,' he said.
