Jakim confirms fake halal cert in chicken seizure at Bukit Kayu Hitam

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, June 14 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) seized 26,040 kilogrammes of frozen chicken worth RM208,320 on June 8 over suspicions that a fake halal certificate was used for its importation.

Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander SAC Fauzi Mohd Yusof said the seizure was conducted jointly with officers from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here following the submission of an import declaration by the importing agent for inspection and verification purposes.

He said initial checks found irregularities in the halal certificate submitted, as the information in the system did not match the details on the certificate.

“The matter was then referred to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for verification, and on June 12, Jakim confirmed that the halal certificate submitted was fake.

“The seizure was carried out to facilitate further investigation and action by MAQIS,” he said in a statement today.

According to Fauzi, initial investigations found that the importer’s agent or representative was believed to have used fake documents to obtain clearance from enforcement agencies.

He did not rule out the possibility that a syndicate was involved in the production and use of fake halal certificates for importing food products into the country.

Fauzi said a trailer used to transport the frozen chicken consignment was also seized and is estimated to be worth RM25,000, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM233,320.

He said AKPS viewed seriously any attempt to submit fake documents, especially those involving halal certification, and that stern action would be taken against those involved.

He added that AKPS would continue to strengthen border controls and enhance strategic cooperation with relevant enforcement agencies to safeguard the country’s food security, uphold the integrity of halal certification and ensure compliance with import regulations. — Bernama