KOTA KINABALU: Frozen chicken and live roosters used for cockfighting were among items worth over RM21mil seized in statewide raids across Sabah.
The Sabah Brigade General Operations Force said the integrated raids, dubbed Op Chiller and Op Manuk, were conducted on Tuesday (Nov 4).
They covered 15 districts including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tawau, Sandakan, Beluran, Keningau, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“These raids started around 9am,” said Sabah PGA commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi on Wednesday (Nov 5).
“Our personnel seized frozen chicken, roosters, storage equipment and other items believed linked to smuggling,” he said.
He said 24 suspects, comprising 17 men and seven women aged 18 to 61, were arrested and added that the operations followed months of surveillance and tip offs on hotspot areas.
He said all confiscated items were handed to relevant agencies for further action.
SAC Nor Omar said investigations are under Section 15(1) and Section 21(1)(i) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015.
He said Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, the Trading Licensing Ordinance 1948, By Laws 1981 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 also apply.
SAC Nor Omar then said that the GOF remains committed to fighting all forms of smuggling in Sabah.
He added that smuggling harms the state economy and threatens public safety and health.
SAC Nor Omar urged the public to report suspicious activities to assist crime fighting efforts.
He said the Sabah Veterinary Department, the Health Ministry and local authorities were also involved.
