By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (MAFFI) welcomed the action taken against the illegal importation of frozen chicken into Sabah.
The action was taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Its Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the action was in line with his directive during his visit to Sepanggar Port on July 19.
“MAFFI takes this matter seriously and will give its full cooperation,” he said.
He was commenting on reports of three individuals being detained and 10 containers of frozen chicken seized for allegedly being imported illegally from China.
The 10 containers were seized during an operation launched by MACC under Ops Chick at a port in Sabah on Aug 11.
Jamawi also advised those wishing to import food products to obtain valid import permits and comply with the prescribed procedures.
“I advise everyone to apply for an import permit legally,” he said.
MACC was previously reported to have launched Ops Chick with AKPS and RMCD, resulting in the detention of three men aged between their 30s and 50s.
The men, believed to be shipping agents and company managers, were detained to assist investigations under Section 17 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
Preliminary investigations found that the 10 containers imported from China had been falsely declared and had not undergone the required inspection process.
MACC is also identifying other individuals believed to be involved.
‘MAFFI takes this matter seriously and will give its full cooperation’ – Jamawi
