KOTA KINABALU: Sabah enforcement authorities seized more than RM7.1mil in frozen food and equipment suspected of being smuggled or lacking the necessary paperwork in raids across seven districts on Tuesday (Nov 10).
The integrated operation also saw 13 people arrested, said state General Operations Force (GOF) commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Nor Omar Sappi.
SAC Nor Omar said enforcement teams raided cold storage facilities, processing premises and other locations in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Beluran and Ranau following tip-offs.
He said the frozen food was valued at about RM1.1mil, while chillers and other equipment seized were worth RM6.01mil.
During the operation, which ran from 9am to 6pm, authorities arrested 13 people aged between 18 and 60, including a foreigner, to assist investigations.
SAC Nor Omar said none of those arrested had previous convictions.
Among the suspected offences were violations of the Sabah Animal Enactment 2015, local authority by-laws governing businesses and food premises, and the Income Tax Act 1967.
A total of 131 officers and personnel from the GOF, Health Ministry, Sabah Veterinary Services Department, Inland Revenue Board and local authorities took part in the operation.
SAC Nor Omar said authorities had handed over the suspects and seized items to the respective agencies for further action.
“The GOF will continue stepping up efforts to curb smuggling as well as the illegal storage and processing of frozen products,” he said.
He urged anyone with information on such activities to contact the nearest police station.
E
