A local man’s attempt to secretly transport a hefty amount of premium-grade beef into Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore was foiled by the authorities during an inspection.
He has since been arrested to aid police in their investigations and now faces a heavy fine or a lengthy jail sentence.
M’sian man tries to smuggle over 21kg of wagyu beef but fails
According to a report by Harian Metro, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) said that the discovery was made last Friday (Dec 20) at around 11am.
Johor Maqis director die Putra Md Yusof said the vehicle was trying to enter JB via the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex when a total of 21.4 kilograms of wagyu beef stored in three boxes were found inside the boot.
He added that the meat were found to be valued at RM18,832.
“Initial investigations revealed the meat was brought in without a Maqis import permit via the light vehicle passenger lane.
“Further inspection also found that the wagyu beef was brought in without a veterinary health certificate and halal certification,” he said in a statement.
Faces jail and fine for failed smuggling
As for the driver, who was a 45-year-old Malaysian, he was promptly nabbed by police following the incident.
The case is now being probed under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 for the offense of importing agricultural products without a permit.
If found guilty, the driver faces a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.
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