The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has detained and seized about 26 tonnes of frozen chicken suspected of using a fake halal certificate at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
The action was taken on June 8 after authorities detected discrepancies in the halal certificate submitted during an online inspection process.
Further checks found inconsistencies between the information in the system and the halal certificate provided by the importing agent or representative.
The matter was referred to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which later confirmed that the halal certificate was fake.
Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Fauzi Mohd Yusof said authorities do not rule out the possibility of a syndicate being involved in the production and use of fake halal certificates for food import purposes.
He said the seized consignment involved 26,040 kilograms of frozen chicken, valued at an estimated RM208,320 based on declared import prices and weight.
A lorry transporting the goods was also seized, bringing the total value of the seizure to about RM233,320.
