KUCHING: The Sarawak government urgently needs to establish the Sarawak Quarantine and Inspection Services (SAQIS) department to strengthen biosecurity measures and protect public health.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the proposed department would serve a similar role as the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Food safety is an area that requires focus because, with proper law enforcement, we can regulate the import and export of products.
“If food imports or products go unchecked, cases like the imported ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes containing harmful chemical residues could arise.
“Therefore, the Sarawak government urgently needs SAQIS to ensure that incoming products are inspected and quarantined before being deemed safe for consumers,” he said.
He made these remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) Integrity Day 2024 event, Thursday (Oct 31).
He added that this effort requires cooperation among various agencies and departments to reduce the risk of harmful food products containing high levels of chemicals and pesticides entering the state.
“Such problems arise when certain parties lack integrity, are greedy, and seek to get rich quickly. By the time we catch them, the products are already in the market and sold to consumers.
“This is why we need SAQIS to inspect products upon entry into the state. This approach will help mitigate issues and risks, especially concerning public health,” he stressed.
Additionally, he urged the public to be smart consumers by inspecting products before purchasing and to report any doubts to the relevant authorities.
Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) announced an investigation and inspection of the imported ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes allegedly containing harmful chemical residues, as claimed by a Thai agency.
However, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) later stated that no samples of the grapes contained pesticide residues exceeding the permissible maximum level, based on findings from the Food Safety and Quality Program (PKKM) conducted from 2020 to September 2024.
Commenting on the event, Dr Rundi said that integrity is a crucial value and discipline in fostering a higher quality work culture to achieve the vision of a prosperous, high-income region.
“Instilling a culture of integrity should begin in childhood to develop human capital that despises corruption.
“This approach not only fosters discipline and good morals but also nurtures a generation of leaders capable of driving the nation forward without corrupt practices,” he added.
He noted that embracing integrity in daily life can shield individuals from activities that harm themselves, their faith, organisations and the nation.
Also present were advisor at the Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development), Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; and DVSS director Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.
