KULAI - The Central Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) arrested nine people, eight of whom were Myanmar nationals, and seized various types of frozen meat worth an estimated RM2.508 million in a raid on a cold storage warehouse at the Sri Kulai Industrial Area here yesterday.
Its commander SAC Awang Arfian Awang Bujang said the 7am raid under Op Salju Mega was conducted by the 5th Battalion GOF in collaboration with the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKU), Kulai District Health Office and Johor Veterinary Services Department.
He said inspections at the premises found that the operator did not have a licence to carry out frozen food processing activities.
"The frozen food processing operation is believed to have been running clandestinely for about two years. Inspections also found that the premises failed to meet the required hygiene standards,” he told a press conference at the scene today.
Elaborating, Awang Arfian said the eight Myanmar workers were detained after they failed to produce valid travel documents. Also arrested were three local men, including the 30-year-old operator.
He said authorities seized 42,520 kilogrammes of frozen pork and 6,528 kilogrammes of frozen chicken.
Initial investigations found that the meat was believed to have been sourced from China, Thailand and Brazil, as well as local suppliers, before being distributed for sale to non-Muslim traders in and around Kulai.
"Also seized were two lorries, a car, an electric reach truck and various equipment believed to have been used to process and cut frozen meat at the premises.
"The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Food Act 1983 and the relevant Licensing of Trades, Businesses and Industries By-Laws,” he said.
Awang Arfian said cooperation between enforcement agencies would continue to be strengthened to ensure all business operations and food handling activities complied with prevailing regulations and laws.
He also urged members of the public with information on suspected illegal activities to channel it to the police or relevant enforcement agencies. - BERNAMA