ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 90kg of seahorses valued at about RM180,000 to Thailand via the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint.
Its state director Hisham Abu Bakar said the seizure was made during a joint-inspection by Maqis and the Customs Department.
"The joint inspection carried out at the passenger lane for export has foiled an attempt to smuggle seahorses to Thailand without a valid document.
"The 90kg seahorses with an estimated value of RM180,000 have no export permit from Maqis," he said in a statement today.
However, he did not elaborate on the date of the seizure and whether anyone was arrested during the incident.
The case is being investigated under Section 11(2) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Act 2011 (Act 728), which is punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act.
It carries imprisonment up to six years or a maximum fine of RM100,000 or both upon conviction.
