PUTRAJAYA: A total of 13,281 live chickens and about 54 tonnes of frozen chicken parts brought in illegally from Thailand were confiscated in Kelantan from January to November this year.

The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) in a statement on Friday (Dec 10) said it had seized the entry of about 54 tonnes of frozen chicken pieces worth RM768,000 for failing to comply with entry requirements.

According to Maqis, the General Operations Force (GOF) and the Marine Police Force seized 13,281 live chickens worth about RM100,000 which were brought in through an illegal base on the banks of Sungai Golok.

“Maqis in collaboration with other border enforcement agencies will remain committed and take serious steps in enhancing control and enforcement at the border, especially at the country’s entrance points,” he said.

He said this is to ensure that issues involving disease control, food safety, halal recognition and the risk of entry of harmful pests that can threaten the country’s agriculture and livestock industry can be curbed and controlled.

Maqis said all the cases were investigated under Section 11 (1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for importing agricultural products without a valid Import Permit from Maqis.

Under Section 11 (3) of the same Act, (person/s) if convicted can be fined not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding six years or both. – Bernama