Spike in number of people caught this year with untreated flora or soil: AVA
Straits Times 3 Dec 09;
EVERY day, an average of six people enter Singapore with plants and soil that have not been treated for pests and diseases, a potential threat to local flora and fauna.
In a media release yesterday, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said that in the first 10 months of this year, more than 1,800 people were caught with untreated plants. This is close to six times the 311 nabbed last year.
The spike in numbers, as well as the fact that most Singaporeans who were caught said they were unaware of the regulations, has prompted the reminder, said an AVA spokesman.
The authority is unsure why there has been an increase in the number of untreated plants being brought in.
While there have been no major problems yet caused by the rising number of imported plants here, the AVA cautioned that plants and potting products - such as soil and fertiliser - which do not have a health certification could affect plant species here.
The AVA requires that all imported plants or potting medium should come with a health certificate to indicate that they have been chemically treated or fumigated, to ensure they are free from pests and diseases. An import permit from the AVA is also required.
Said Mr Wong Sek Man, a professor specialising in plant diseases at the department of biological sciences at the National University of Singapore: 'Untreated plants can bring in many insects such as white flies and thrips, which can transmit viruses that are devastating to agricultural crops.'
Fortunately, he added, such viruses do not affect human health.
For the first 10 months of this year, more than 1,800 plants and six tonnes of potting medium and fertilisers arrived here without certification. About 250 plants were claimed by their owners after inspection and treatment by the AVA.
The more popular species which had been brought in were the bougainvillea, rose, ixora and kamquat.
Owners have to pay an inspection fee, ranging from $12 to $50, as well as the permit fee which costs $11.
Plants not claimed after 10 days from the date of interception are destroyed. The potting medium in sealed packages is also destroyed as treatment is not feasible.
Recognising that travellers might want to bring in small quantities of plants for personal use, the AVA reminded Singaporeans of the exemption for those returning from West Malaysia. Singaporeans can bring in three plants without potting medium and an import permit and a health certificate are not required.
Any person who does not comply with the regulations can be fined up to $1,000.
LEOW SI WAN
