Agriculture depts seize durians, other produce from Sabah at Merapok ICQS

LAWAS (Jan 13): The Sarawak and Sabah agriculture departments seized durian, moringa, mangoes, and pepper from Sabah during inspections at the Merapok Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here earlier this month.

Several seizures were made as the agricultural produce was brought into Sarawak without complying with plant quarantine regulations stipulated under existing laws and regulations, the ICQS said in a statement shared on Facebook.

Also seized were fruit seedlings and other types of tropical trees that require permits and quarantine to control pests and diseases that pose a risk to the agricultural industries of both states.

The statement said the movement of such goods is governed by the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167) and Plant Quarantine Regulations 1981, as well as administrative powers held by the Sarawak and Sabah agriculture departments.

“These regulations cover fresh fruits and live plant materials that are not allowed entry without inspection and proper documentation, even from other states within Malaysia, such as from Sarawak to Sabah.

“This control is not only focused on large-scale trade, but also on the movement of individuals bringing live plant materials through the post or across state borders without proper declaration,” said the statement.

It added the departments had collaborated with other agencies such as the People’s Volunteer Corps and General Operations Force at the Merapok ICQS.

“Enforcement operations will continue from time to time to ensure that laws under all agencies at the Merapok ICQS will be applied to anyone committing offences,” added the statement.