ISKANDAR PUTERI: A shipment of imported cabbage valued at RM6,800, found to be infested with flea beetles was sent back to Singapore on Monday.
The infested vegetables were discovered during routine inspection at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Gelang Patah.
Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) officers halted the lorry carrying 216 boxes of cabbage, totaling about 2,160 kilogrammes
The cabbage was found to be infested with live flea beetles, specifically of the Phyllotreta species, which are commonly found on crops such as tobacco leaves.
Maqis Johor director Edie Putra Md Yusof said live flea beetles were discovered during examination of the cabbage.
"The consignment entry was denied, and Maqis instructed that the shipment be returned to its country of origin," he said.
According to Section 14(a) of the Maqis Act 2011, it is illegal to import agricultural products that are contaminated with pests, diseases, or other contaminants.