Malaysia has detained seven suspicious foreign nationals and confiscated RM480,000 worth of dried longan at the Thai border.

ALOR SETAR, Aug 23 — Yesterday, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) issued Notices of Refusal of Entry (NPMs) to seven foreign nationals who tried to enter the country via the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex.

In a statement, AKPS indicated that the group of foreigners, which includes five Indian men, one Thai man, and one Indonesian woman, is suspected of not being authentic tourists.

All individuals received the notification in compliance with Section 8(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 due to their failure to satisfy the entry criteria as visitors to Malaysia. They have been directed to return to their country of origin using the same entry route.

The act of denying entry is executed in compliance with the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and departmental circulars. It was stated that no seizure or criminal aspect was detected in this case.

In a separate incident yesterday, the AKPS confiscated 20,000 kilograms of food items identified as dried longan due to a lack of labeling, which violates the regulations set forth in the Food Act 1983 concerning product labeling.

The seizure occurred during an operation that commenced at 8:30 PM, during which the product was transported alongside other goods via trade routes. The estimated total value of the seized items exceeds RM480,000. Nevertheless, no arrests have been executed.

AKPS has stated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all food products imported into the country adhere to legal regulations and food safety standards.

"Ongoing collaboration with all other enforcement agencies will be further enhanced to guarantee consumer safety and protect the sovereignty of the nation's borders," it stated. — Bernama