JOHOR BARU: A tonne of spring onions from China worth RM5,184.97 has been seized at the Tanjung Pelepas Port here.

       Johor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) director Hizzuan Hasim said 1,000kg of the vegetable were found stashed in 100 boxes at around 3pm on Tuesday (Aug 10).

       “We were conducting a routine check on a shipping container when we found the spring onions among other vegetables that arrived from China," he said

       “The other vegetables had import permits but the spring onions did not and we believe this was to confuse the inspection officers,” added Hizzuan on Wednesday (Aug 11).

       He said the contraband spring onions were seized for investigations under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for importing without a permit, licence or declaration.

       The offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding RM100,000, imprisonment of not more than six years or both, and repeat offenders could face a maximum fine of RM150,000, a maximum jail term of seven years or both.

       Hizzuan advised import and export companies to follow the country’s rules and regulations to keep animal- and food-transmitted diseases at bay and ensure food safety in Malaysia.