BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has ordered the return of 251 metric tonnes of timber from Latvia to its country of origin.
The consignment, estimated to be worth RM203,726.78, was detained and denied entry into the country after Maqis' routine inspection found Trichoderma sp. fungus on White Birch Logs (Betula Pendula) in ten containers.
"The consignment arrived at the Maqis' Port at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT).
"Upon routine checks, we found the fungus in at least 10 of the containers brought in.
"We then ordered the return of the 10 containers to the country of origin," it said today.
Maqis said controlling pests and diseases such as wood fungi was crucial in protecting the nation's agricultural industry, particularly for crops and other plants.
"Importing any agricultural products, plants, animals, carcasses, fish, soil, and microorganisms with pests is an offence under Section 14 of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of RM100,000 fine and six years' jail.
Maqis remains committed to performing its duties at all national entry points to ensure that agricultural products, plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural products, soil, and microorganisms entering or leaving the country comply with government regulations, safeguarding the future of the national agricultural industry.