KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM12.4mil worth of frozen meat was seized following raids in Kajang, Selangor.
The operation, codenamed Ops Taring Chiller, was conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCB)/Special Investigation Intelligence of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) on May 14 and 15.
KDNKA director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said several locations were raided including storage premises, logistics vehicles and distribution networks, believed to be linked to the syndicate.
“We detained five men, comprising a local and four Myanmar nationals, aged between 21 and 43.
“The foreigners are believed to be workers at the premises. Each of them were paid about RM2,000.
“Illegal storage, sales and distribution of frozen food products is in violation of Section 5 of the Animals Act 1953,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Among the frozen products seized were 4,840 cartons of frozen pork, 410 cartons of imported frozen chicken wings and 115 cartons of frozen ducks.
“The total seizure involved 167,143.72kg of frozen food products valued at RM12.4mil.
“We also uncovered several other offences including immigration violations involving foreign workers without valid work permits and failure to produce valid travel documents,” he said.
Other violations are those related to halal certification and labelling, including the use of unrecognised halal markings on imported products, as well as suspected mixing of halal and non-halal products.
“The premises was found to be operating outside the scope of its licensed business activities under Kajang Municipal Council by-laws.
“Checks also showed it has been operating for about four years and was registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia until April 5, 2031 for cold storage and logistics activities.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds, financiers and other individuals believed to be involved in the syndicate’s operations,” he said.
Comm Mohd Yusri did not rule out the possibility the syndicate was connected internationally.
“We believe the frozen meats were imported from various countries including China, Brazil and Argentina, and smuggled through southern Peninsular Malaysia through false declaration.
“We are also investigating whether the items have been repacked and distributed to local hypermarkets and restaurants,” he said.
On another matter, Comm Mohd Yusri said Ops Taring Chiller conducted by WCB has led to RM15.1mil worth of items seized and 52 people detained, following raids between Jan 1 and May 15.
“For KDNKA, 88 cases were recorded involving the arrest of 153 suspects with the total value of seizures amounting to RM157.3mil.
“Enforcement action will continue to be intensified from time to time,” he said.
