JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has detained a package containing 1,000 live centipedes smuggled into the country by an Indonesian national through the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal here.

       In a statement by Johor Maqis, the predatory arthropods were discovered during a routine inspection by the department's enforcement officers stationed at the terminal at around 1pm on Monday (Sept 6).

       “The centipedes are valued to be around RM1,750 and were brought in by a ferry passenger, who is in his 30s, from Batam in Indonesia without possessing a Maqis import permit.

       “The live centipedes are brought in to become fish food,” it said, adding that the centipedes were detained for further action while the passenger has been released after having his statement recorded.

       Maqis said the case would be investigated under Section 11 (1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728).

       The department advised all importers and exporters to always follow regulations set by the government to ensure the control of animal, fish and plant diseases and food safety in Malaysia is maintained.