RM35 million frozen food seized; 29 held
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: Abdul Rani showing images of the frozen products seized by PGA Sabah. PAPAR: Frozen food products worth more than RM35 million were seized by the General Operations Force (PGA) Sabah during Ops Taring Chiller, which was conducted simultaneously across 10 districts in the State on Tuesday. The operation from 9am to 10pm also resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals aged between 20 and 60, comprising premise owners and workers.
Advertisement PGA Sabah Brigade Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the operation aimed to curb the storage and sale of frozen food products that violate regulations, in addition to uncovering various related offences. 'This operation is meant to stop the illegal storage and sale of frozen food products and to detect a range of associated violations. 'As a result, we successfully seized various frozen food items and equipment, including chicken parts, beef, lamb, seafood such as fish, prawns, squid and crabs, as well as other products like potatoes, cheese, meatballs, ice cream and more. 'The seizures were made at frozen food storage premises in 10 districts - Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Sandakan, Tawau, Kunak, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Telupid and Keningau,' he told a press conference at PGA Sabah Brigade Headquarters in Kinarut, Wednesday. The raids also confiscated equipment used in handling frozen products, including chillers, freezers, meat grinders, refrigerated lorries and cold storage containers. 'The total value of all seized items amounts to RM35,452,093.28. 'Initial checks suggest most of the frozen food items are believed to be locally produced but without proper labelling. 'However, it's also possible that some are imported goods that were relabelled or repackaged.' Further inspections uncovered multiple violations, including operating without a business license, breaching Section 15(1) of the Animal Enactment 2015, as well as Regulation 37, Regulation 11, and Regulation 35(1)(B) of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 under the Food Act 1983. 'Premise operators were also found to have violated Section 102 and Section 103 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), the Trade Licensing Ordinance 1948 (Local Authority Laws), Regulation 10(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974 and Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961,' he said. Abdul Rani added that the integrated operation was conducted with the cooperation of several agencies, including the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services (JPVS), Ministry of Health (MOH), local authorities (PBT) and the Sabah Department of Agriculture. 'This operation successfully curtailed the unauthorised storage and sale of frozen food and the handling of such products in violation of health and safety standards. 'It will be continued from time to time, and we urge all business operators to comply with the regulations set by the authorities,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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