Malaysian Quarantine Department Denies Entry of Vessel Carrying Pest-Infested Copra

A commercial vessel bringing in 160 MT of pest-infested copra from Indonesia was denied entry at Batu Pahat Jetty and ordered to return to its country of origin, the Bernama reported on January 09.  Johor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) director Edie Putra Md Yusof said it was made following an inspection carried out by the department’s enforcement officers Thursday last week.
Following the inspection, the department found pests believed to be red-legged ham beetles infesting the copra estimated to be worth RM272,000, he said.  The ship was not allowed to enter to avoid the spread of pests that can affect the country’s coconut industry, he added.  Importing any type of agricultural produce infested with pests is an offense and punishable under the law.