JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 tonnes of frozen chicken worth over RM200,000 into the country.
MMEA Tanjung Sedili zone acting director Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam said intelligence gathered by the agency led to the interception of a suspicious fibreglass boat at the Teluk Kabung private jetty in Pasir Gudang at 2.45pm on Friday (Nov 28).
“Checks on the vessel uncovered 2,071 boxes of frozen chicken, believed to be from Singapore, weighing about 12kg each.
“(The shipment) was believed to have been brought in without approval to evade regulatory controls by the authorities.
"The owner of the jetty, a 59-year-old local man, was arrested to assist in the investigation," he said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 29).
He added that a lorry suspected of having been used to transport the boxes was also seized in the operation.
“The value of the frozen chicken seized is approximately RM220,000, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM600,000.
“The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for bringing in goods without approval,” he said.
Mohd Najib said the operation reflects MMEA’s ongoing commitment to combating maritime crime, including the smuggling of controlled goods that could threaten national security and the economy.
He also urged the public to channel any information related to smuggling, encroachment or maritime crime through the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 07-8916591 or via the 999 emergency line.
