THE Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) foiled an attempt by a company in the seafood industry to smuggle frozen seafood from Iran, worth RM146,486.87, at Port Klang on Saturday.

Maqis director, Zamri Hashim, said that the seafood, weighing 27,955kg and consisting of 1,349 crates of frozen eels and 951 crates of frozen ribbon fish, was seized at 4pm in a routine check by Maqis enforcement officers, after the local company failed to produce a valid import permit.

He said the goods had been stored at the port since June 18, and were meant for the local market.

“The case is being investigated under Section 11(1) Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) and carries a fine of not less than RM100,000, up to six years in jail, or both,” he said in a statement today.

He reminded all importers and exporters to abide by the law, to prevent diseases in animals, fish and plants, as well as to safeguard food safety in Malaysia. – Bernama, July 5, 2021.