KOTA KINABALU: Enforcement officials seized over RM20.8mil worth of suspected smuggled frozen food across seven districts in an integrated operation on Thursday (March 5).
In the simultaneous raids, General Operations Force (GOF) officials also arrested 21 individuals to assist investigations, said Sabah GOF brigade commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi.
He said the 8am to 6pm raids saw frozen items such as pork, chicken, beef and other food believed smuggled, confiscated from Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Beluran, Keningau, Lahad Datu and Kunak.
"This crack down involved a total of 204 officers and personnel from various agencies including the Veterinary Services Department and local authorities," he said.
He added that from the 21 arrested, 17 were local men, one local woman, one was a foreign man and another was a foreign woman.
All these suspects aged between 22 and 40 were found to have no previous convictions or records.
They will be investigated for various offences including under the Animal Enactment 2015, Food Act 1983, Food Regulations 1985, Trades Licensing Ordinance 1948, 1981 By-Laws and Food Hygiene Regulation 2009, Nor Omar said.
All confiscated items have been handed over to agencies in charge for further action.
He said the police will continue to enforce laws to ensure that food operators and premises abide by the set regulations.
"This is to prevent the illegal sales of food with dubious Halal and cleanliness status, more so during this season where Muslims observe their fasting month ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he explained.
Nor Omar urged the public to provide information of any suspicious activities and to help in the effort to beat crime in the country.
