Sarawak and Sabah Agriculture Department, at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) Merapok Lawas, seized agricultural produce without permits that was brought into Lawas from Sabah, recently. Photo by ICQS Merapok Lawas
LAWAS: Durian fruits, moringa saplings, mango saplings and large chillies were among the items seized by the Sarawak and Sabah Agriculture Department at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) Merapok, Lawas, earlier this month.
ICQS Merapok in a statement announced that the seizure was made because the items were believed to have been brought in without complying with plant quarantine regulations set under existing laws and regulations.
According to the statement, the seizure was made under the Plant Movement Control Rules and Policies, which means that the movement of certain trees, planting materials and agricultural produce is not allowed to enter Sarawak and Sabah without an import permit and phytosanitary certificate.
This matter is subject to the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167) and the Plant Quarantine Regulations 1981, as well as the administrative powers of the Sarawak and Sabah Agriculture Departments in their respective states.
“This regulation prohibits the entry of fresh fruits and live plant materials without inspection and valid documents, including interstate movement. This control is not only focused on large-scale trade, but also on individuals who bring plant materials by post or through border gates without declaration.
“Enforcement is being carried out with various agencies to increase the level of control,” the statement said today.
The Sarawak and Sabah Agriculture Departments are also collaborating with other agencies such as the Volunteer Department (RELA) and the General Operations Force (PGA) as a strong bond of cooperation at ICQS Merapok.
Enforcement will be implemented continuously to ensure that all laws and regulations by the agencies involved at ICQS Merapok are enforced against any party who commits an offence.
