JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 1): The Malaysian Quarantine Department (Maqis) stopped the import of several frozen food products without permits at the Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal, near Kota Tinggi, three days ago (July 29).

In a statement here today, Maqis said the stop-order for the frozen food products which comprised pork, pork balls and chicken wings at the ferry terminal's passenger route following an inspection of Singaporeans carrying the product were found to be without any health certificate or permit (IP) from Maqis.

Maqis added that stringent checks were carried out at the country's borders on meat and pork products although Malaysia was still free of the African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic.

ASF is a disease that can cause death to almost all pigs and wild pigs, which could affect the country's RM5 billion pork industry if left unchecked.

The government is very serious about biosecurity and food security as it does not want viruses or insects that can damage the crop or livestock industry and affect the country's economy to be introduced in the country.

"The act of importing pigs and pig products without a valid permit from Maqis constitutes as a punishable offence under section 11 (3) of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.

"If convicted, one can be fined not more than RM100,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding six years, or both, and for a second or subsequent offence is punishable by a fine not exceeding RM150,000 or imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both," said the department.