Lorry with pest-infested vegetables told to turn back to Singapore from Johor
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The lorry carrying the vegetables had entered Johor from Singapore via the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the Second Link.
PHOTO: PEXELS
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GELANG PATAH, Johor – A lorry carrying long cabbages was instructed to turn back to Singapore on Aug 19, after the vegetables were found to have been infested with pests.
Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Johor director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the lorry had entered Johor from Singapore via the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the Second Link.
“The long cabbages in 216 boxes worth RM6,800 (S$2,030) weighing 2,160kg... were inspected,” he said in a statement.
Mr Edie said live pests known as phyllotreta were found on the inspected vegetables.
He said that under Section 14(a) of the Maqis Act 2011, it is an offence to import agricultural products contaminated with pests, diseases or other substances.
He said that if convicted, offenders could face a penalty of not more than RM100,000, or be jailed for not more than six years, or both.
Mr Edie said the department would continue monitoring Malaysia’s entry point to safeguard food security.
In response to The Straits Times’ queries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it has not received any notification from the Malaysian authorities on the cabbages.
SFA has reached out to them for more details.
“Exporters are responsible for ensuring their products meet the requirements of their destination countries when exporting food products from or through Singapore,” added SFA. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
