Mon Sep 08 08:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
**Headline: Malayalam Actress Navya Nair Fined ₹1.25 Lakh in Australia for Carrying Jasmine Garland**
**Melbourne, Australia** – Malayalam actress Navya Nair faced an unexpected penalty upon arrival at Melbourne International Airport recently. The actress, who was traveling to Australia to attend the Onam celebrations organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria, was fined 1,980 Australian dollars (approximately ₹1.25 lakh) for carrying a 15-centimeter jasmine garland in her handbag.
Nair revealed the incident during a speech at the Onam event in Victoria. She explained that her father had bought the jasmine garland for her and suggested she wear part of it on her journey from Kochi to Singapore. He further advised her to keep the remaining piece in her handbag to wear at Singapore airport. Unaware of Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations, Nair unknowingly carried the garland into Melbourne.
“Officials fined me 1,980 Australian dollars for carrying a 15 cm jasmine garland,” Nair stated, adding, “I know I was wrong, but it was not intentional. They have asked me to pay the fine within 28 days.”
Australian Border Force regulations prohibit the import of plants, flowers, and seeds without a valid permit, citing the risk of introducing diseases and pests into the Australian environment. The website states that even seeds need permission and must be clean from other plant parts. This ensures the safety of Australia’s unique ecosystem.
First Piper 