BUTTERWORTH: Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) has foiled attempts to bring in nearly five tonnes of cheese powder worth RM140,000 from Denmark without a valid import permit.
Penang Maqis director Muhammad Ikram Abd Talib said in a statement on Monday (Aug 21) that they stopped the entry of the cheese powder from Denmark at the Butterworth Deep Water Wharves here on Saturday (Aug 19).
"The results of the inspection carried out by Maqis enforcement officers found that the consignment of cheese powder weighing 4,800kg worth RM140,033.17 did not have a valid Maqis import permit.
"Failure to submit an import permit for importing cheese powder is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
"If convicted, (the culprits) can be fined not more than RM100,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding six years or both under Section 11(3) of the same Act," he said.
Muhammad Ikram said Maqis was committed to monitoring the country's entry points and borders together with other enforcement agencies to ensure that agricultural products brought in comply with conditions and regulations, to guarantee the quality and safety of food.
