KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Customs Department (JKDM) seized nine containers containing frozen chicken worth RM2.75 million at Sepanggar Port here on May 7.
The frozen chicken, believed to have been imported to evade taxes, was detected following a risk analysis by the Container Inspection Unit and public complaints.
Sabah director-general Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman said that inspections of those containers revealed that they were declared as vegetables, such as potatoes and green peas.
"However, physical inspections found that all nine 'reefer' containers contained frozen chicken meat.
"The inspection revealed that the goods loaded were frozen chicken parts, including breasts, wings, and chicken backs.
"The total value of the seized frozen chicken supply is estimated at RM2.75 million, with the estimated duties and taxes involved amounting to RM550,000," he said at a press conference at Sepanggar Port today.
Following the seizure, Mohd Nasir said the case is being investigated under Sections 52 and 135 (1) (a) of the Customs Act 1967.
"For the first offense, offenders can be fined not less than 10 times the amount of customs duty or RM100,000, whichever is greater, and not more than 20 times the amount of customs duty or RM500,000, whichever is greater.
"Offenders can also face imprisonment for not less than six months and not more than five years, or both," he said.
Mohd Nasir added that the smugglers' actions were not only to evade taxes but also due to the procedures related to halal certification that must be obtained before chicken meat could be imported into the country.
"Chicken meat is among the food items that bring in significant profits, prompting some parties to avoid taxes.
"In addition, many procedures, including halal certification, must be adhered to for importing chicken meat into this country," he said.
Mohd Nasir added that smuggling activities not only resulted in loss of revenue for the country but also posed threats to national security and public welfare.
Therefore, he urged the public to cooperate by providing information related to any smuggling activities via the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855.