Unlock to import approximately 740 kilograms of buffalo meat valued at US$2,800 was thwarted by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Department (Maqis) at Pasir Gudang Port. The meat, originating from India, was found in 37 bins throughout an inspection.
Upon further examination, Maqis officers found discrepancies between the data on the halal certificate and the actual particulars of the buffalo meat, corresponding to slaughter, manufacturing and expiry dates, as nicely as importer names. These inconsistencies are considered an offence beneath Section thirteen of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for offering deceptive certificates or different documents.
As part of the investigation, a local transport agent in his 30s had his statement recorded by Maqis officers before being released. If convicted underneath Section thirteen of the Act, the individual could face a most fine of US$12,000, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both..