The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered a suspected syndicate allegedly involved in illegally importing frozen chicken from China into Sabah through a port, with authorities believed to have been bribed to facilitate the operation.
The syndicate was exposed during Op Chick on Tuesday morning, resulting in the seizure of 10 containers of frozen chicken believed to have been brought into the state illegally.
The operation was conducted by the MACC Intelligence Division in collaboration with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
Preliminary investigations found that the containers were allegedly falsely declared and had not gone through the required inspection procedures. Such discrepancies have raised concerns over how the consignments were able to enter the country without undergoing the necessary checks.
Three men, aged between their 30s and 50s, were arrested in connection with the operation. They comprised forwarding agents and a company manager, while investigators are now working to identify other individuals who may have been involved.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Sri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the operation and arrests when contacted by Sinar Harian.
He said the three suspects would be brought before the Kota Kinabalu Magistrates’ Court for a remand application to facilitate further investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009, as authorities continue to trace the parties allegedly involved in the suspected importation and bribery activities.
