BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) seized 26,040kg of frozen chicken worth RM208,320 on Monday (June 8), over suspicions that the haul was imported with a fake halal certificate.
Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander SAC Fauzi Mohd Yusof said the multi-agency seizure was made at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here following an import declaration submission by the importing agent for inspection and verification.
He said irregularities were found in the halal certificate submitted, which did not match the information in the system.
"The matter was then referred to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for verification, and on June 12, Jakim confirmed that the halal certificate submitted was fake.
"The seizure was carried out to facilitate further investigation and action by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS)," he said in a statement on Sunday.
According to Fauzi, initial investigations found that the importer's agent or representative was believed to have used fake documents to obtain clearance from enforcement agencies.
He did not rule out the possibility that a syndicate was involved in the production and use of fake halal certificates for importing food products into the country.
Fauzi said that a trailer used to transport the frozen chicken consignment was also seized, estimated to be worth RM25,000, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM233,320.
He said AKPS viewed seriously any attempt to submit fake documents, especially those involving halal certification, and that stern action would be taken against those involved.
He added that AKPS would continue to strengthen border control and enhance strategic cooperation with relevant enforcement agencies to ensure that the country's food security, the integrity of halal certification and compliance with import regulations. - Bernama
