Maqis seizes frozen beef from Brazil worth over RM470,000

SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) Selangor branch has seized 23 tonnes of frozen beef from Brazil worth RM476,000 for not having a valid import permit on Wednesday.

Selangor Maqis director Mohd Sobri Md Hashim said the meat was brought in by a local company but was detained at the entrance of Port Klang West.

He said an inspection was carried out on the container at about 10 am and found that it did not have a valid import permit issued by the department.

The case was investigated under Section 11(1), the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) which provides imprisonment of up to six years or a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or both, upon conviction, he said.

He also added that law enforcement actions will continue to be expanded at all entry points of the country to monitor and inspect every agricultural product.

"This is to ensure that plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products and microorganisms imported into the country are free from the threat of pests, diseases and contaminants, as well as complying with the conditions and regulations set by the government," he said.

--BERNAMA

TAG: Maqis, beef, Brazil, valid permit