As Chinese New Year looms and bak kwa prices soar, bargain hunters in Singapore are going across the Causeway for cheaper alternatives.

And if you didn't know, it is illegal.

Buying bak kwa back considered smuggling

Two motorists were caught attempting to smuggle bak kwa into Singapore via the Woodlands checkpoint over the past two days.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Thursday, Feb. 8 that in both cases, the packets of bak kwa were concealed in pastry or cookie packaging.

The attempt to hide the bak kwa is because the smugglers know it is not allowed.

Controlled item

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is conducting further investigations.

Singaporeans are reminded that bak kwa is a controlled item subjected to travellers' allowance from approved countries.

There are currently only 21 AVA-approved countries, including Canada, Netherlands and the United States, for the import of pork and pork products to Singapore.

Travellers are not allowed to bring in meat, meat products and eggs from Malaysia.

Livestock, meat and meat products can be imported only from sources that meet AVA's animal health and food safety standards.

More information can be found on AVA's website.