KOTA KINABALU: Over RM268,000 worth of illegally imported frozen chicken has been seized in a raid at Sepanggar Port near here.
The operation by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) targeted a 40ft container, with follow-up action on a cold room facility in Inanam Laut, a Sabah minister said on Thursday (Feb 5).
The operation on Friday (Jan 30) led to the discovery of 27,000kg of frozen chicken products imported without valid permits, worth around RM268,410.
In announcing the successful operation, state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar expressed his appreciation to the Sabah DVS team.
"I would like to extend my highest congratulations and appreciation to the Sabah DVS for their swift, effective and professional action in safeguarding food safety and protecting the interests of the people of Sabah.
"The state government seriously views any attempt to bring food products into Sabah without proper approval, as this could jeopardise public health, biosecurity and public confidence in the national food control system," he said.
Jamawi said this operation demonstrated Sabah’s firm stance on, and commitment to, ensuring that only food products complying with standards and legal requirements are allowed to enter the market.
Meanwhile, Sabah DVS director Dr Zul Bahar said that the operation was conducted with cooperation between the Enforcement Unit of DVS (Kota Kinabalu Region), the Veterinary Inspection Unit and the DVS KKIA/Cargo Quarantine Unit.
"This is in line with the department's ongoing commitment to strengthening food safety and biosecurity in the state," he said.
He also thanked the other enforcement agencies involved.
