Kota Kinabalu: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized nine containers of frozen chicken worth over RM3.3 million with taxes that were believed to have been smuggled into the country at Sepanggar Port, here, early this month.
Sabah Zone Customs Assistant Director-General Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman said the department acted on information and inspected 14 containers that arrived at the port on May 7.
“Inspections found nine containers with frozen chicken that were not declared in the manifest. The chicken is estimated to be valued at RM2,754,000, with an estimated tax and duties of RM550,000,” he told a media conference at the port, Tuesday.
He said that the case was being investigated under Section 52 and 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967, adding that this was the biggest seizure of frozen chicken for the Sabah Customs this year.
“For the first offence, 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.
