Latest news with #Maqis
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Authorities foil attempt to smuggle animal manure from Singapore at CIQ checkpoint
JOHOR BARU: Authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle 10 tonnes of animal manure at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint on Tuesday. In a joint operation, officers from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) and the Border Control Agency intercepted a truck at around 3.30pm, attempting to bring in 22 unregistered sacks of animal droppings from Singapore. Johor Maqis director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the cargo, weighing approximately 10,000kg and valued at around RM10,000, was discovered in the vehicle's cargo hold during a routine inspection at the import lane. "Further checks revealed that the waste was being transported without a valid Maqis import permit," Edie Putra said in a statement today. The truck and its 39-year-old driver have been detained for further investigation. Importing any form of agricultural product without a permit is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 [Act 728], punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act. If convicted, the offender could face a fine not exceeding RM100,000, imprisonment for up to six years, or both. Edie Putra said Maqis will continue to uphold border biosecurity by ensuring that all plants, animals, carcasses, fish, soil, and agricultural products entering Malaysia are free from pests, diseases, and contaminants.
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
03-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
No Anthrax in Malaysia, but authorities heighten vigilance over Thai outbreak
ALOR STAR: Malaysia has tightened veterinary and biosecurity checks on live cattle imports from Thailand following an anthrax outbreak near the Thai-Laos border, ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha festivities. Anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria, typically transmitted through contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated meat. It is not spread from person to person. Kedah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director Dr Shaharul Akmar Talib said the outbreak occurred in Thailand's Mukdahan province, far from Malaysia, but precautionary measures have nonetheless been taken. "Surveillance has been stepped up at ICQS (Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security) complexes. States have been alerted to remain vigilant, and at the federal level, the department is coordinating with Thai authorities," he told the New Straits Times today. Shaharul assured that Malaysia has not recorded any anthrax cases for over 50 years. "The last case occurred in 1968. If any cases were to emerge, they would be quarantined immediately," he said. He said that Malaysia does not import raw meat from Thailand, but live cattle are brought in for slaughter. "These animals are quarantined at designated centres in Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan. All imports are screened by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), which issues permits and enforces biosecurity protocols. "Officers from Maqis and the department work jointly at entry points such as Bukit Kayu Hitam," he added. He said that no import ban has been imposed for now, but an inter-agency meeting is expected to take place soon to review the situation. Yesterday, it was reported that Thailand had confirmed two anthrax cases, including one death. The victim, a 53-year-old man from Mukdahan, is believed to have handled or consumed contaminated meat. Thai authorities are tracing over 600 people potentially exposed to the disease, including 36 individuals involved in livestock slaughtering. Keywords: News Malaysia Nst 1968 Veterinary Services Department Anthrax Thailand. No Case Malaysia News Live Cattle Related Articles ASEAN May 2, 2025 @ 4:30am Thailand reports first anthrax death, hundreds potentially exposed World Apr 8, 2025 @ 7:56am Anthrax kills 50 hippos in Congo's Virunga National Park Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 12:09pm Crocodile sightings prompt heightened vigilance in Kota Kinabalu Crime & Courts Nov 3, 2024 @ 9:39am Thai authorities to charge 6 Malaysians in drug case
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.
