Malaysian authorities thwarted an attempted smuggling of premium wagyu beef from Singapore into Johor Bahru last Friday, leading to the arrest of a 45-year-old Malaysian man.
The incident occurred around 11 AM at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, where officers discovered 21.4 kilograms of wagyu beef concealed in three boxes inside the vehicle's boot during a routine inspection.
Johor MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department) director Die Putra Md Yusof revealed that the premium meat, valued at RM18,832, was being transported without the required documentation. "The suspect attempted to bring the meat through the light vehicle passenger lane without a MAQIS import permit," he stated. "Further investigation revealed the absence of both a veterinary health certificate and halal certification."
The case is currently under investigation under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011, which prohibits the import of agricultural products without proper permits. If convicted, the suspect faces severe penalties, including a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment for up to six years, or both.
Source: Harian Metro
