Kuala lumpur: The Rantau Panjang Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) foiled the first attempt to smuggle in 100 kilogrammes (kg) of tiger prawns from Thailand since the temporary ban on the importation of five species of shrimp from that country came into effect on June 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the attempt was detected through a joint operation involving the Rantau Panjang AKPS, the Fisheries Department, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS). The lorry driver involved in the incident submitted an invoice declaring a load of fish and cockles, but an inspection found that there were barrels containing tiger prawns hidden at the bottom of the load.

"This is the first time our team has found shrimp that are prohibited from being imported following the implementation of a temporary ban on the importation of five species of the crustaceans from Thailand, which came into effect on June 1," said Siti Khadijah Hamzah, the commander of the operation, at a press conference at the Rantau Panjang ICQS Complex.

Siti Khadijah noted that the tactic of declaring other goods to mislead the authorities is believed to be used to hide shrimp that is prohibited from being imported into the country. She stated that a thorough inspection by AKPS members successfully detected the attempt even though the declaration document did not indicate the presence of the shrimp.

The case was referred to Kelantan MAQIS for further action under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728). Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security agreed to implement a temporary ban on the importation of five shrimp species from Thailand, namely brown tiger prawns, banana prawn, whiteleg shrimp, giant tiger prawn, and blue shrimp. The decision was made in line with fair trade principles and as a reciprocal measure against the same restrictions imposed by Thailand on five selected shrimp species from Malaysia.