JOHOR BARU: Authorities at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) checkpoint seized a consignment of cans of sardines imported from Singapore after they were found to be contaminated with parasitic worms.
The seizure was made on March 27 when checks revealed the presence of Anisakis spp. which, when consumed, can result in severe stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.
Johor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) took swift action, confiscating 16,320kg of the canned sardines valued at approximately RM84,000.
The seizure occurred after the lorry transporting the goods failed to produce the necessary import permits.
Johor Maqis director, Edie Putra Md Yusof, revealed that samples of the sardines were sent to the Chemistry Department for testing, which confirmed the presence of the parasitic worms.
"The initial physical inspections revealed foreign substances in the seized sardines, prompting us to conduct further analysis," he said.
The sardines, originating from China and imported by Singapore, were transported into the country via the Custom, Immigration, and Quarantine complex at BSI.
Edie Putra emphasised that stringent action would be taken under Section 14(a) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 [Act 728], which prohibits the import of goods containing pests, diseases, or contaminants.
Offenders could face hefty fines of up to RM100,000, a jail term of up to six years, or both, as stipulated by the law.
