The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has in place a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance programme to safeguard Singapore's plant health. Flowering plants with potting medium (such as soil, peat moss, sphagnum moss, potting mix, etc) are allowed to be brought into Singapore only if they are accompanied with a plant health certificate from the country of origin to certify that the potting medium is free from harmful micro-organisms. This is because potting medium, if not properly treated, could harbour harmful micro-organisms that can spread quickly and threaten Singapore's plant health status.
However, we recognise that travellers bring plants from overseas into Singapore from time to time. Hence we do provide exemptions for each traveller to bring in three plants without potting medium or 250gm of seeds from West Malaysia, without the need to obtain a plant health certificate from the country of origin, or an import permit from AVA. Travellers who bring plants in excess of the quantity allowed must obtain an import permit as well as a phytosanitary certificate. For plants with potting medium, which are not covered by a plant health certificate or an import permit from AVA as in Mr Jasni's case, they will have to be detained for referral to AVA. AVA will conduct an inspection and administer treatment where applicable before releasing the plants to the owner. In such cases, inspection charges and import permit fee will be levied.
The regulations have been in place since Nov 2007 and were made known to the public through the mass media. In addition, posters and pamphlets are also available at the checkpoints to remind travellers of these regulations. The public can also refer to AVA's website at www.ava.gov.sg for more details.
We have noted Mr Jasni's feedback of the service provided by the checkpoint officers. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to service excellence without compromising on security. As Singapore's front-line ambassadors, ICA officers are mindful in projecting a professional image while carrying out their core functions in security. We have reminded our officers to provide courteous and friendly service to all travellers.
Singaporeans, especially senior citizens, enjoy gardening as a pastime. In fact, due to the lower prices, many also frequent the Pasar Tani (Farmers' Market) in Johore Bahru during weekends to buy potted plants.
However, I believe that many are unaware or do not realise that bringing potted plants into Singapore is a breach of AVA rules.
In fact, this happened to me on the night of 29th March at about 11 pm. My family and I were returning from Johore Bahru after visiting our family, and we had a potted plant with us.
I was shocked when the checking officer at Customs told me to go into the office with the potted plant. The officer was giving instructions without giving any explanations, as if I was one of his subordinates.
The ICA officer on duty then explained that I had breached AVA rules by bringing the potted plant into the country. He instructed me to leave the plant at the office for further checks by AVA, and said that I could claim the plant three or four days later at the AVA office.
When I asked for the exact location of claiming my plant, the officer replied that AVA would inform me by post.
The officer also asked me to sign a form ,without permitting me to read the contents. However, I insisted on reading it, saying that I would not sign anything otherwise. It was only then that the officer allowed me to read the contents.
I was finally allowed to bring in the plant, but without the pot or the soil. And this was because the officer failed to provide written proof that I could not take my plant back with me.
I fail to understand why we are not allowed to bring in potted plants in its entirety, i.e. why the plant is allowed, but not the pot or soil. If this is indeed AVA's rule, why is there no public education on the issue?
Secondly, I am disappointed with the service provided at the Customs and ICA. They should have been more courteous and not throw their weight around, especially not on members of the public like myself.