THE import and export of carcasses and animal or bird products without a permit will be prohibited under the Animals (Amendment) Bill 2012.
This means that no person is allowed to import or export any carcass, semen, fodder, litter, dung or any product of animals or birds or any substance that is likely to spread disease unless they have a permit issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Department director-general.
The proposed amendment also allows a department enforcement officer to seize and detain any bedding, litter, fodder, dung, semen personal belongings or other substances imported which may spread disease.
If passed, the Bill would increase the penalty for those who go against the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister’s order to prohibit, either absolutely or conditionally, the import of any carcass or product of animals or birds that is likely to spread diseases.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum tabled the Bill for first reading yesterday.
Under the Bill, the penalty is increased to a maximum fine of RM50,000 or two years’ jail or both. This is compared to the original penalty of a RM5,000 fine or two years’ jail or both.
It was introduced to bring about changes for a more effective implementation to ensure the prevention, control and eradication of diseases from animals or birds as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The proposed amendment is also a consequence of the introduction of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
It was reported that Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had confirmed that the Animal Welfare Bill would be gazetted next year, in addition to the amendment to the Animal Act.
