MACC arrests director, employees of frozen meat company
The Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested four individuals, namely, a director and employees of a frozen meat importing company on suspicion of being involved in corrupt activities.
This is believed to involve the smuggling of frozen raw materials into the country.
The Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested four individuals, namely, a director and employees of a frozen meat importing company on suspicion of being involved in corrupt activities.
This is believed to involve the smuggling of frozen raw materials into the country.
According to a source, all detainees, aged between 39 and 50, were arrested at the Johor MACC office last night to assist in ongoing investigations.
The source also said that the MACC viewed this issue seriously because it involved public interest, especially Muslims in the country and the investigation was conducted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
“The cooperation of several agencies such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), the Department of Veterinary Services, the Department of Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services (MAQIS) and the Customs Department have been obtained and meat importing companies have also been identified,” the source said.
Johor MACC director Azmi Alias, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and all detainees will be brought to the Magistrate's Court this morning for a remand application.
Last week, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid said that a frozen meat importing company believed to be behind an illegal meat cartel will be charged in court soon.
He said the investigation paper on the company located in Johor Bahru was almost complete as the ministry had obtained results of a meat analysis from the Chemistry Department on Dec 28).
"When we want to charge (in court) the meat must be sent to the laboratory to be checked whether it is indeed kangaroo meat, horse meat, pork, or any other meat. So it takes time," he said.
He added that the Chemistry Department had already assisted by expediting the checks as it was a matter of public concern.
The Hulu Terengganu MP said the company was believed to have repackaged imported meat by imitating the logos of Malaysia's leading frozen meat distributors.
He said the company also was believed to have placed 'Halal' logos, uncertified by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), on the repackaged meat.
- Bernama
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.