KUALA LANGAT – Some 60% of approved permit (AP) holders involved in meat imports are Bumiputera companies, said Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
He said among them are Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd and Darabif Meat Company, which are capable of importing large quantities of the product.
“In terms of the quantity of (imported meat), it depends on the ability of the company. These two companies are able to import large quantities, and to compete with non-Bumiputera companies,” he told reporters after a working visit to the area farmers’ organisation here today.
He was commenting on former deputy agriculture minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s statement that Bumiputera firms make up only 10% of AP holders involved in meat imports.
On AP holders blacklisted for violating permit conditions, Kiandee said his ministry is awaiting the results of investigations conducted by the relevant agencies.
“We are still waiting for the results of the probe. The case related to the meat AP is being investigated by several agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Royal Malaysia Police, Customs Department, and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
“If there is a violation of the AP conditions, my ministry will take stern action.”
It was reported that the ministry is ready to revoke the APs of companies found to be involved in the so-called “meat cartel”, where imported meat of dubious status is repackaged as halal for sale in Malaysia. – Bernama, January 26, 2021