JOHOR BAHRU – The Johor Customs Department has seized a total of 135 tonnes of undeclared frozen meat valued at RM2.1 million (S$603,000). The confiscated meat was imported without the necessary permits, raising concerns about illegal trade activities.
Johor Customs director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi disclosed that the frozen meat was confiscated from five lorries that had entered the state from Singapore on May 21. The operation involved stopping four lorries during an inspection at the import branch of the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, while the fifth lorry was intercepted on the Pasir Gudang Highway.
“Each lorry was carrying 27 tonnes of frozen meat, believed to include pork, beef, chicken breast, and chicken wings, all worth RM2.1 million,” Aminul Izmeer said during a press conference at Menara Kastam Johor on May 27.
The authorities have arrested the five lorry drivers, all in their 40s. They were subsequently released on bail of RM10,000 each. The investigation points to a syndicate suspected of orchestrating the operation.
The case is currently under further investigation to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation and to identify all parties involved. The Johor Customs Department continues to enforce strict measures to prevent illegal imports and ensure compliance with import regulations.