Police Bust Illegal Frozen Food Syndicate In Kajang, Seize 167 Tonnes Worth RM12.4 Million
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismantled a major illegal frozen food syndicate operating in Kajang after seizing 167 tonnes of products worth approximately RM12.4 million during a special enforcement operation.
The raid was conducted by Royal Malaysia Police through its Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA).
Authorities also arrested five individuals comprising one local man and four Myanmar nationals aged between 21 and 43 who were believed to be working at the premises.
KDNKA director Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the premises had allegedly been operating for about four years while using a legitimate company as a front for distributing uncertified imported frozen food products.
According to him, the company was officially registered as a cold storage and logistics business, but investigations revealed that the facility lacked the required licences for frozen food storage and inspection under the Animals Act 1953.
“During the operation, police arrested one local man and four Myanmar nationals believed to be employed at the premises,” he said during a press conference today.
Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri added that the syndicate allegedly used the logistics company as a cover to distribute imported frozen products that lacked proper certification.
Authorities also suspect that halal and non-halal products were mixed before being distributed into the local market.
Among the seized items were 4,840 cartons of carcass products, 410 cartons of imported chicken wings and 115 cartons of duck products.
Initial investigations indicated that the products were believed to have originated from countries including China, Brazil and Argentina.
Police are now conducting further investigations to identify the full extent of the syndicate’s operations, including its masterminds and distribution channels, which are believed to involve restaurants and supermarkets nationwide.
The case has also raised concerns over food safety standards and the integrity of halal certification within the local market.
According to Royal Malaysia Police, enforcement efforts involving food smuggling and illegal distribution activities will continue to be intensified to protect consumers.
From January 1 until May 15 this year, KDNKA recorded 88 cases involving seizures worth RM157.3 million.
Under the specific operation known as Op Taring Chiller, eight cases have been recorded with total seizures amounting to RM15.1 million.
Police stressed that strict action would continue to be taken against any parties involved in food smuggling and halal-related fraud activities that could threaten consumer safety and public order.
-wilayah.com.my
