PAPAR: Frozen chicken and fighting cockerels were among items worth RM21.7 million seized in raids across Sabah on Tuesday.
Sabah Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) Commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi said the integrated raids, dubbed Op Chiller and Op Manuk, were conducted in collaboration with several other enforcement agencies between 9am and 12pm.
They covered eight districts, including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tawau, Sandakan, Beluran, Keningau, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“Inspections at 15 premises and farms led to the arrest of 24 individuals aged between 18 and 61, comprising workers and business owners.
“Our personnel seized frozen chicken, roosters, storage equipment and other items believed linked to smuggling,” he told a press conference.
He added that the operations followed months of surveillance and tip offs on hotspot areas.
All confiscated items were handed to relevant agencies for further action.
Nor Omar said investigations are under Section 15(1) and Section 21(1)(i) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015.
“Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, the Trading Licensing Ordinance 1948, By Laws 1981 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 also apply,” he added.
Nor Omar said the GOF remains committed to fighting all forms of smuggling in Sabah.
He said smuggling harms the state economy and threatens public safety and health, and urged the public to report suspicious activities to assist crime fighting efforts.
The Sabah Veterinary Department, the Health Ministry and local authorities were also involved in the operations.
