BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) seized 1,449 boxes of frozen boneless buffalo meat weighing 27,998kg at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) here, on Tuesday afternoon.
State Maqis director Noriah Dahlan said checks on the meat from India showed they were labeled using unverified information for the halal certificate.
"As such, we have withheld the frozen boneless buffalo meat, weighing 27,998, and worth RM427,691.57 for further investigation.
"The case will be investigated under Section 13 of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728). The offence carries a fine of not more than RM50,000 or a jail term not exceeding two years or both, upon conviction," she said.
Noriah said Maqis viewed the issue of food safety seriously, covering disease control and risk of pest entry, that could harm the country's agriculture industry.
"Anything brought into the country must abide by the rules and conditions set by the government," she added.