PUTRAJAYA: The Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has been notified of fake documents bearing its name and stamp accompanying seafood products exported to Turkiye.
Turkish authorities found Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) documents with forged names, stamps and signatures of officials.
DVS, in a statement, clarified that the provisions under the Animals Act 1953 do not cover seafood products.
"Therefore, DVS does not issue VHCs for these products. It is the exporter's responsibility to obtain a health certificate from the relevant authority.
"DVS takes this matter very seriously as the forgery of VHC documents can have negative implications for the department's reputation, the country, and international trade relations.
"DVS wishes to emphasise that the department will not hesitate to take legal action against any parties who misuse the department's name and stamp.
"Any individual involved in forgery or creating false documents can be prosecuted under Section 463 or 464 of the Penal Code (for forgery and making a false document, respectively)."