The Sabah Government is set to propose the formation of a special enforcement committee following the seizure of RM3.8 million worth of frozen meat suspected to have been smuggled into the state using false import declarations.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said he will submit a report to the Cabinet seeking approval to establish a task force involving his ministry, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the police and other enforcement agencies.
Speaking during an inspection of the seized goods at Sabah Ports on Sunday, Jamawi said the committee would coordinate enforcement efforts and oversee the proper disposal of confiscated products.
The latest operation uncovered 12 shipping containers that were declared as vegetable imports but were allegedly filled with frozen poultry products from China that had been falsely labelled as halal imports from Thailand.
“The containers were declared as vegetables, but our inspection found frozen poultry from China. We also have doubts over the authenticity of the halal certification,” he said.
Investigations found that 11 of the containers were loaded with frozen chicken parts, while the remaining container contained frozen pork.
Jamawi said each container weighed about 29 tonnes and was valued between RM300,000 and RM350,000, bringing the total estimated value of the seizure to around RM3.8 million.
He revealed that AKPS has seized about 30 similar containers since the beginning of the year. Investigations by the Department of Veterinary Services also found that the company names and addresses printed on the packaging were misleading.
Jamawi warned importers involved in such activities to stop immediately and use legitimate import channels instead.
“The Department of Veterinary Services provides a proper process for certified food imports with verified and registered halal certification. Those involved should follow the legal procedures,” he said.
He added that such illegal imports could undermine public confidence, particularly among Muslims seeking genuine halal food products.
Jamawi also commended AKPS, Customs and Veterinary Services officers stationed at Sabah Ports for preventing the products from entering the local market.
He said his ministry will continue working closely with enforcement agencies to crack down on the smuggling of poultry and other undeclared food products into Sabah.
While no unusual items have been discovered inside the containers so far, Jamawi said Customs is working with the Marine Department to obtain approval to move and open the containers before they are disposed of, allowing authorities to fully inspect their contents.
“This seizure is only the beginning. It reflects the ongoing cooperation between the ministry and enforcement agencies to combat food smuggling and protect consumers in Sabah,” he said.
The latest operation follows several major enforcement successes in the state. In July, the General Operations Force (GOF) seized frozen products and other assets worth more than RM24 million across 11 districts. Earlier in May, AKPS uncovered a false declaration scheme involving frozen poultry worth RM2.43 million at Sabah Ports in Sepanggar. Last July, another GOF operation resulted in the seizure of frozen food products valued at more than RM35 million across 10 districts.
