KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Department of Veterinary Services (DVS Sabah) has successfully carried out an intelligence-led enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of frozen chicken products imported without valid permits.
The operation, led by DVS Kota Kinabalu Region, involved the inspection of a 40-foot container at Sepanggar Port, followed by subsequent action at a cold room facility in Inanam Laut. Inspection revealed that the owner failed to produce any import permit or license issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Following this, enforcement action was taken to seize 27,000 kilograms of frozen chicken leg products with an estimated value of RM268,410.00 , in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws currently in force.
Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, minister of agriculture and food industry Sabah, expressed his appreciation to the DVS Sabah team for the successful operation.
“I would like to extend my highest congratulations and appreciation to the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services for their swift, effective, and professional action in safeguarding food safety and protecting the interests of the people of Sabah.
“The state government views seriously any attempt to bring food products into Sabah without proper approval, as this could jeopardize public health, biosecurity, and public confidence in the national food control system,” the minister added.
“This operation clearly demonstrates Sabah’s firm stance and continuous commitment to ensuring that only food products that comply with established standards and legal requirements are allowed to enter the market,” Jamawi remarked.
Meanwhile, Dr. Zul Bahar, Director of DVS Sabah, explained that the operation was carried out in a structured and phased manner.
“The operation was conducted with close cooperation between the Enforcement Unit of DVS Kota Kinabalu Region, the Veterinary Inspection Unit, and the DVS KKIA/Cargo Quarantine Unit, in line with DVS Sabah’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food safety and biosecurity in the state,” said Dr. Zul.
He also expressed appreciation to the enforcement agencies involved.
. “I would like to record my sincere thanks to the Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia (AKPS) and the Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia for their close cooperation and strong support. It is this inter-agency synergy that enables enforcement actions to be carried out effectively and with integrity,” the director of DVS remarked.
