ANN/THE STAR – A cold storage facility in Sandakan, Sabah has been raided for allegedly keeping halal and non-halal food products at the same location.
In the raid, enforcement officials from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Sandakan branch and state Veterinary Services Department found products such as chicken, duck and non-halal items were stored together.
“A total of 864 kilogrammes of frozen goods worth over MYR17,000 were seized,” said Ministry’s Chief Enforcement Officer for the district Azdy Zukkry John.
He said the case is being investigated under the Trade Description Act 2011 (definition of halal) whereby offenders could face up to a MYR5 million fine for the first offence for corporate bodies or companies, and up to MYR10 million for the second offence or thereafter, if found guilty.
“Individuals breaching this Act could be fined up to MYR1 million or jailed up to three years, or both, if convicted of a first offence; and fined up to MYR5 million or imprisoned for up to five years, or both, for a subsequent offence,” he said.
Azdy said the ministry will continue to conduct regular checks and inspections on cold storage facilities in Sandakan to ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
