ISKANDAR PUTERI: An attempt to bring in more than 29 tonnes of undocumented raw chicken bottoms was flagged by the authorities at the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) customs, inspection and quarantine complex here.
Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) Johor branch director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the 29,113kg of chicken bottoms - the fleshy part at the rear of the bird - was transported in a lorry through the complex.
“During a routine check, Maqis and Customs officials found 2,241 boxes containing the chicken parts in the lorry.
“The products, valued at RM340,856, were brought in without an import permit, veterinary health certificate or halal certification,” he said in a statement Thursday (Jan 23).
Edie Putra added that the lorry’s 42-year-old driver was detained during the incident that took place at 8pm last Friday (Jan 17).
“We recorded his statement before he was released,” he said, adding that investigations are ongoing under Section 11(1) of the Maqis Act 2011 [Act 728] and is punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act.
The offence is punishable with a maximum fine of RM100,000 or up to six years’ imprisonment or both upon conviction.
“All agricultural produce, meat, fish or animal carcasses that are brought into the country must have the necessary documents in compliance with the law,” he said.
