RANTAU PANJANG: Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Maqis) seized 26,388 ornamental plants believed to have been brought in from Thailand without a valid permit.
Kelantan Maqis director Mohd Azam Yahya said the seizure was made by General Operations Team (PGA) Battalion 7 staff at the Limau Purut illegal base here at about 7.00pm yesterday, under Ops Wawasan Kelantan.
"Upon further investigation, Maqis seized 25,240 Jarum Merah Jambu and 1,148 Fern trees worth an estimated RM130,000.
"We also seized a truck used to transport all the ornamental trees. However, the truck driver managed to flee to a nearby bush when he noticed the presence of PGA members.
"Importing ornamental plants without a valid permit from Maqis is an offence under Section 11 (1) of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) which can be punished under Section 11 (3) of the same Act," he said.
Mohd Azam said if convicted one could be fined not more than RM100,000 or a jail term not exceeding six years, or both.
"Maqis will conduct an investigation into the case and ensure that the culprits are punished accordingly, if found guilty.
"Through close cooperation between Maqis and other border enforcement agencies, I am confident that we can control and contain activities of bringing in consignments without valid documents.
"Maqis is responsible for ensuring that imports are free of from pests, diseases or contaminants. We will continue to combat smuggling of agriculstural produce," he added.