The container involved.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS Sabah) has seized 27,000 kilogrammes of frozen chicken products valued at RM268,410 after uncovering an attempt to import the items without a valid permit.
The seizure was the result of an intelligence-led enforcement operation carried out by the DVS Kota Kinabalu Region.
The operation began with the inspection of a 40-foot container at Sepanggar Port before enforcement officers proceeded to a cold room facility in Inanam Laut.
According to DVS Sabah, inspections revealed that the owner of the consignment failed to produce any import permit or licence issued by DVS, in violation of existing laws and regulations governing the importation of animal-based food products into Sabah.
As a result, enforcement action was taken to seize 27,000 kilogrammes of frozen chicken leg products in accordance with the relevant legal provisions currently in force.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar commended the DVS Sabah team for the successful operation, describing it as timely and decisive.
“I would like to extend my highest congratulations and appreciation to DVS for their swift, effective and professional action in safeguarding food safety and protecting the interests of the people of Sabah,” he said.
Jamawi stressed that the Sabah Government takes a serious view of any attempt to bring food products into the state without proper approval, noting that such actions could jeopardise public health, biosecurity and public confidence in the national food control system.
He added that the operation reflected Sabah’s firm stance and ongoing commitment to ensuring that only food products which comply with established standards and legal requirements are allowed to enter the market.
Meanwhile, DVS Sabah Director Dr Zul Bahar said the operation was conducted in a structured and phased manner through close inter-unit cooperation.
“The operation involved the Enforcement Unit of the DVS Kota Kinabalu Region, the Veterinary Inspection Unit and the DVS KKIA/Cargo Quarantine Unit, in line with DVS Sabah’s continuous efforts to strengthen food safety and biosecurity in the state,” he said.
Dr Zul also expressed appreciation to other enforcement agencies involved in the operation, including the Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia (AKPS) and the Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia, for their close cooperation and strong support.
