KUALA LUMPUR – The government has assured that there are no new cases of illegally imported frozen pork in the country.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said ministry enforcement officials have conducted checks at 180 premises of frozen food wholesalers, as well as distribution and retail outlets to ensure that there is no such meat in the nation.
“The ministry views the matter seriously due to the sensitivities involved as we are a multi-religious country and we need to keep the peace among the people, while at the same time ensure that domestic trade activities are able to take place,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Nanta was replying to a question by Sik MP Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman on the progress of the investigation and the ministry’s next course of action, following the seizure of illegal imports of frozen pork found at a factory in Senai, Johor, recently.
He said investigations are being conducted under the Trade Description Act 2011 Halal Certification Order, of which anyone who falsely declares food items or services will face a penalty of between RM200,000 and RM500,000, if convicted.
He added that the ministry had ordered an immediate investigation and conducted spot checks between December 4 and 6 to address the problem.
“The Islamic Development Department and respective state religious departments have conducted checks on frozen food importers, cold room operators, wholesalers, distributors and retailers to confiscate similar items if found.
“However, no more items were found in the checks, except the one at the factory in Senai,” he said. – The Vibes, December 08, 2020
