KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has seized RM2.42mil worth of frozen chicken products at Sepanggar Port here after it uncovered a false Customs declaration for potatoes and peas.
AKPS director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the inspection on Thursday (May 21) found that the consignment in 14 containers, weighing a total of 404.2 tonnes, is believed to have originated from China and Hong Kong.
"The goods were brought in under falsified Customs documentation. These goods have also been packaged and ready to be sol in the local market," he told a press conference at Sepanggar Port here on Tuesday (May 26).
Comm Shuhaily said the operation began on May 19 together with the Customs, Health Ministry, Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) and port authorities.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for making false certificates or documents, which carries penalties of up to a RM500,000 fine or five years’ jail, or both.
Comm Shuhaily said AKPS has also identified 12 more containers suspected of using the same modus operandi, involving 348 tonnes of frozen chicken worth RM3.42mil.
“(The containers are) now under monitoring and enforcement action," he said.
He stressed that AKPS would continue to work closely with Customs, the Health Ministry and port authorities to act against smuggling using false declarations, and would also strengthen border controls to safeguard national security.
"AKPS views seriously any attempt to illegally import merchandise through false declarations or regulatory violations at the country's entry points.
"Enforcement and inspections will continue to be enhanced through integrated collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure border security and compliance with the law," he said.
