JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has seized 24 tonnes of peat moss from Lithuania worth more than RM25,000 at Pasir Gudang Port.

       Johor Maqis said the consignment was confiscated at about 12.30pm on Sunday (Aug 15) during a routine check at the port.

       “The peat moss was stored inside a container holding 540 bags.

       "An enforcement team noticed that the phytosanitary certificate differed from the permit number declared to Maqis.

       “The seizure is estimated to weigh around 24,194kg and worth around RM26,155,” it said in a statement on Monday (Aug 16).

       The case will be investigated under Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act for submitting a false, inaccurate or confusing permit.

       Offenders face a fine of up to RM100,000 or liable to a jail term of up to six years or both, if convicted.

       Phytosanitary certificates attest to the safety of agricultural or horticultural products in terms of measures taken for the control of plant diseases.