IPOH: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) halted an attempt to bring in two different types of fish worth over RM10,000 without permit into the country from Indonesia via the Lumut Port.

       A statement issued by Perak Maqis said that 100kg of ‘ikan ketutu’ (marble goby) and ‘ikan kelah’ (mahseer) were confiscated.

       During a routine check carried out at the port on imported fish boxes, one box with 100kg of both the fish were found to be brought in without any permit.

       “The box was confiscated for further action, as the act of importing agricultural products without a permit issued by Maqis is an offence under Section 11 (1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Act 2011.

       “If found guilty, a person can be fined not more than RM100,000, jailed not more than six years, or both,” the statement read.

       Maqis is always committed to carrying out enforcement at the country’s entry points, and it is hoped that importers would always comply with the rules and regulations set by the government to ensure the country’s food security is guaranteed and protected.