SEPANG, July 14 (Bernama) — One-Stop Quarantine Centres (OSQC) will be created at locations dealing with the import and export of agricultural and agrofood produce to strengthen national biosecurity controls and food security.
Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said for a start, a OSQC has been proposed to be set up at Port Klang as it is the biggest entry point to the country.
He added that the OSQC will prepare integrated quarantine and agrofood security facilities including inspection, quarantine treatment, testing, research, monitoring and disposal of agriculture and agrofood products.
“For now, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS) conducts random checks on the entry of imported food products. With the OSQC, inspections will be more detailed and faster,” he said at a media conference after checking on the import and export operations of agriculture and livestock products at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) cargo complex here today.
He said his ministry, through MAQIS, remained vigilant where the import and export of agricultural products were concerned to ensure the country’s biosecurity and that Malaysians can enjoy safe, clean, halal products that were free of pests, and to protect the country’s agriculture industry.
The Veterinary Services Department, he added, had conducted the certification of new abattoirs at exporting countries to ensure the sources of beef, buffalo meat and chicken could be varied.
According to him, the number of facilities certified rose to 227 compared to 216 in 26 countries previously, an increase of 11 locations in Thailand, India and Pakistan.
“The additional 11 locations will help ensure the total supply is secure and to stablise the market price for imported meat from India,” Ronald said.
“My ministry will continue efforts to increase the number of foreign abattoirs that are qualified and meet standards to ensure there is no monopoly or market manipulation. This will encourage healthy competition that can offer cheaper prices and ensure the continuity of supply,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
