ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) seized 140 kilogrammes (kg) of yam for not having a valid import documentation last Monday.
A Kedah MAQIS spokesperson said the agency seized the agricultural produce transported by a lorry at the Immigration, Customs Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam, at 8.40pm.
He said the results of the inspection found that the yams, which were estimated to be worth RM1,120, did not have a MAQIS import permit and also a phyto-sanitary certificate from the country of origin.
"The act of importing agricultural products without a valid permit is an offence under Section 11 (1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act which is punishable under Section 11 (3).
"Conviction can lead to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years or both," he said in a statement today.
He explained that MAQIS always monitors and inspects agricultural products at every entrance to the country 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.