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Attempt to smuggle in 3 containers of chilli from Vietnam foiled

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This follows strict checks after samples earlier tested found excessive amount of pesticides in chillies from Vietnam.

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PUTRAJAYA:
The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Department (Maqis) detained three containers with Vietnamese chillies and dragon fruit, without valid import permits on Dec 17.

The agriculture and agro-based industry ministry, in a statement today, said there was an attempt to bring in chillies from Vietnam illegally following the suspension of the import permit (IP) for Vietnamese chillies.

According to the ministry, there were 9,500 cartons in the three containers, with each container containing 14,250kg of Vietnamese chilli.

The containers detained had no valid documents for chilli import such as the IP, phytosanitary certificate and certificate of compliance with the requirements of grading, packaging and labelling, the statement said.

On Sept 14, the Department of Agriculture suspended the IP for Vietnamese chilli after samples sent for testing were found to contain pesticide residues above the permissible level.

“Strict action will be taken against those who smuggle in restricted or prohibited agricultural products, including falsifying documents and misusing IPs,” the statement said.

Section 11 (1) of the Maqis Act provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or six years’ jail or both if convicted of the offence of importing agricultural produce without a permit.

Section 13 of the Act provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or two years in prison or both if convicted of falsifying a permit, document or any information.

“Action can also be taken under other relevant legislation such as the Customs Act 1967 and the Food Act 1983,” said the statement.

The ministry also said enforcement of compliance with the Grading, Packaging and Labelling (GPL) Rules, under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 1965 (Act 141), will be intensified.

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