January 17, 2024

Authorities in Kelantan, Malaysia, seized smuggled pork and chicken meat

The customs department of Kelantan, Malaysia, have confiscated 13 tonnes of smuggled frozen pork and 2.85 tonnes of frozen chicken meat, along with other illegal products, specifically, cannabis and methamphetamine pills.

The products were seized in three separate operations in the state.

In a statement on January 14, State Customs director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long said in the first case, a lorry driver and cleaner had transported frozen pork worth RM116,820 (US$25,109).

"Their… modus operandi involved acquiring the pork at the illegal Mentua base near Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, before loading it onto a refrigerated truck," he added. "The pork, with an estimated tax of RM46,728 (US$10,044), is believed to have been brought in by boat and is intended for the Peninsula's west coast market."

In another development, Wan Jamal said the department thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2.850 tonnes of frozen chicken from a neighbouring country after a raid in Kampung Becah Keranji, Pasir Tumboh, Kota Baru, on January 3.

"The confiscated chicken was valued at RM15,247 (US$3,277), with an estimated tax of RM6,099 (US$1,311)," he said.

According to Wan Jamal, the frozen pork and chicken are classified as prohibited import items under Item 1, Schedule Three/Part I of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
 

— Bernama