M’sian Girl Brings Cats Back From Moscow, Faces Fines And Jail Time
The cats are currently under quarantine.
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According to The Star, a 26-year-old Malaysian student risks facing fines up to RM100,000 or up to six years of jail or both over two cats.
She returned to Malaysia from Moscow, where she was studying, with two Scottish Fold cats in tow.
However, the cats did not have the necessary documentation to enter Malaysia, namely the mandatory veterinary health certificates from the exporting country. The cats are currently being kept in quarantine pending investigation.
Dr Tarmisal Alimin from the Selangor Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) noted that Maqis is responsible for conducting checks at all entry points to ensure plants, animals, carcass, fish, agriculture produce and microorganisms that are imported into the country are free of pest threats, diseases, and contamination.
The guide to importing pets into Malaysia, also prepared by Maqis, states clearly its requirements. In addition to requiring a veterinary health certificate from the exporting country, you will also need to obtain a valid import permit issued by Maqis, your pet must have an identification microchip, and a vaccination record book or pet passport (see our link on how to get one), among others.
For the full list of requirements, check out the guide here.
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Anne is an advocate of sustainable living and the circular economy, and has managed to mum-nag the team into using reusable containers to tapau food. She is also a proud parent of 4 cats and 1 rabbit.