Latest operation thwarts illegal pork import worth over RM660,000
KLANG: Enforcement actions at land, air and sea entry points since the beginning of this year have resulted in 50 cases with total seizures worth RM2.04 million, involving multiple agencies including Customs, Immigration, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Maqis) and the Health Ministry.
Customs recorded the highest seizure value at RM1,500,975, followed by narcotics-related cases at RM305,880 and Maqis-linked cases at RM151,916.40.
Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the figures reflected collective enforcement efforts but cautioned against drawing conclusions on any single entry point being a main smuggling hub.
“In the context of our operations, we cover land, sea and air. The figures I mentioned earlier are not something I take personal pride in, because there are still many fundamental areas that need to be strengthened.
“When it comes to maritime enforcement, I am not yet able to state empirically that Port Klang is the main point of entry for smuggling activities. There are still many gaps that we need to improve.
“The same applies to land routes. I cannot say for certain that Bukit Kayu Hitam or Rantau Panjang are the main smuggling points either,” he told reporters during a press conference at the CFS4 warehouse site at Westport in Port Klang yesterday.
He also said the agency, which has been operating for just over a year, was still in the process of strengthening coordination across agencies and improving data accuracy before making firm assessments.
“(We) have been operating for only 12 months and 22 days. There are still many fundamental areas that need improvement.
“Today’s (Jan 22) success belongs to our officers who despite the short time frame, have followed our direction and worked together.”
The latest enforcement measure involved the seizure of two containers of frozen pork at Westport on Jan 20, with an estimated value of RM660,137.85 and a total weight of 49,972.74kg.
The shipment originated from Spain, a country not recognised for pork imports to Malaysia, and was found to have an expired import permit with no valid Maqis approval.
The seizure followed another operation on Jan 14, in which the same enforcement team intercepted 27,000kg of pork imported from Belgium, valued at RM495,740.30, due to incomplete documentation.
Shuhaily said the recent spike in pork smuggling attempts may be linked to rising demand ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations.
“During this period, demand for pork products usually rises and our team remains on high alert.”
He also warned the public about biosecurity risks linked to illegal pork imports, particularly from countries affected by African swine fever.
“Nearly 14 countries are currently banned from exporting pork to Malaysia due to concerns over (the disease).
“While it does not easily spread to humans, poor hygiene and handling could allow it to spread to other livestock.”
The operation was carried out by agency enforcement teams with inter-agency coordination overseen by Port Klang Entry Control Commander senior assistant commissioner Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal.
Investigations are being conducted under Section 11(1) and Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011, after both shipments were found to have entered Port Klang without valid Maqis import permits and proper certification.
The seized meat will be disposed following court approval and legal action will be taken against importers who fail to comply with permit requirements.
