Malaysia Prohibits Entry Of Date Palms

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Date palms are not allowed into the country because the plants have been identified as the main host for the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus or red palm weevil (RPW), said the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture director-general Ahmad Zakaria Mohamad Sidek said the RPW were brought into the country through smuggled infected date palms. Date palms have been detected in Malaysian states of Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Penang as decorative plants at hotels, offices and homes. "We have never issued any permit for the entry of date palms or importation of any palmae," he told a press conference here Thursday. He said efforts were being made, including cooperation from the Quarantine and Inspection Services Department to prevent any new entry of the plant into the country. "We will destroy the palm trees which were brought into the country illegally and we also urge the public to report to us if they know of date palms being planted," he said. The RTW, which originated from the Middle East, have destroyed 294 hectares of coconut plantation in Malaysian east coast states of Terengganu and Kelantan in the last three years. -- BERNAMA