BUTTERWORTH – The Penang Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department has seized over RM4 million worth of frozen buffalo meat after the importer used a misleading halal logo at the North Butterworth Container Terminal here.
Its state director, Zarina Ramli, said the seizure was carried out within three days, from February 8 to 10, involving 17,370 boxes of frozen buffalo meat from India.
“The meat, weighing 335,914kg, was imported using 12 containers – nine containers were from one company, while the other two were from another company.
“The investigation also found that the meat was imported by two local companies located in Penang and Selangor.”
Zarina said the frozen buffalo meat used a halal logo that is not recognised by local authorities, adding that this will be investigated in accordance with Section 13, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728).
She said if convicted, both companies could be fined not more than RM50,000.
“The department always inspects agricultural products at every entrance of the country to ensure that all imported goods are free from pests, as well as comply with the conditions and regulations set by the government.” – The Vibes, February 11, 2021