BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) foiled an attempt to smuggle 23 tonnes of frozen chicken worth RM245,640 on Tuesday.
Kedah Maqis director Hisham Abu Bakar said the frozen chickens were discovered during a cargo inspection at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
He said the halal certification number and expiry date for the chickens differed from what was declared, an offence under the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act.
"The items were seized. The case is being investigated under Section 13 of the Act for using a false permit, licence, or certificate," he said in a statement.
The offence is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years, a maximum fine of RM50,000, or both for first-time offenders.
Separately, Hisham said Maqis also foiled an attempt to smuggle 16,904kg of chillies worth RM50,712.
The chillies were imported without the necessary permit, an offence under Section 11(1) of the Act.
Hisham said Maqis will continue to ensure the importation of foreign produce complies with the law to ensure food safety.