KOTA KINABALU: Enforcement authorities are investigating a storehouse in Inanam near here that kept halal-certified chicken in the same container as pork.
A team from the General Operations Force (GOF) and Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) inspected the storehouse after a tip-off was received on Tuesday (May 21).
A cold storage container on the premises was found to hold boxes of frozen chicken meat with the halal logo kept alongside boxes containing pork.
The team seized the container and handed it over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Sabah office for further investigation.
The ministry's state director Georgie Abas said they found 847 boxes of frozen chicken meat with halal certification.
“The items are estimated to be worth RM121,968 while the container is valued at RM30,000,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 22).
“The caretaker of the premises, a local man aged 28, has been questioned," he added.
The pork was seized by DVS for further action, Abas said.
The case is being investigated under the Trade Description Order (Halal Definition) 2011 for storing goods deemed as halal with those that are not.
Abas said organisations found guilty under this law face a fine of up to RM5mil, increasing to a maximum of RM10mil for the second and subsequent offences.
Individuals convicted of the offence face a maximum RM1mil fine and up to three years in jail, or both.
For subsequent offences, they would be fined up to RM5mil or spend five years behind bars, or both, if found guilty.
He urged those with information on any wrongdoing or unethical practices by traders concerning halal logo usage to contact the ministry through WhatsApp t 019-848 8000 or its portal http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my.
Alternatively, they may contact its call centre at 1-800-886-800 or text through the smartphone app Ez ADU KPDN.
