Authorities in Johor Bahru discovered parasitic worms in a shipment exceeding 16 tonnes of canned sardines imported from Singapore. The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) officers intercepted the shipment at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex on March 27, as reported by the New Straits Times.

The seizure ensued following inspections revealing the presence of Anisakis spp., a species of parasitic worm that, if ingested, can lead to infection characterized by severe abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Reportedly, the total weight of the canned sardines, originating from China and imported through Singapore, amounted to 16,320kg, with an estimated value of RM83,879.84, according to the English daily.

Johor MAQIS director Edie Putra Md Yusof stated that laboratory analysis of multiple samples confirmed the presence of parasitic worms. As quoted by Malay Mail on April 25, he affirmed that further inspections by Johor MAQIS enforcement officers verified contamination across the remaining seized batches of canned sardines.

Edie Putra emphasized the enforcement of strict measures under Section 14(a) of the MAQIS Act 2011, carrying penalties of fines up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.

The Anisakis spp. worms are known to cause anisakiasis, a disease affecting humans. This illness typically arises from the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood such as fish or squid, as outlined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).