PUTATAN: The Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department (Dovsai) is carrying out further investigation on six tonnes of smuggled non-halal poultry meat which was seized in Tawau on Wednesday.
Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin said the department was trying to find out where the poultry originated from and how it was smuggled into Sabah.
He reminded suppliers and sellers that it was an offence to supply and sell meat brought in from other countries without permits.
“They can be charged under Section 5(1) of the Animal Enactment 2015 (Import without licence). If they are found guilty, they can be fined up to RM50,000 or be imprisoned for a period not more than two years or both,” he said.
The department confiscated more than six tonnes of imported poultry meat in an operation at the Tawau market.
The confiscated meat is feared to have been imported from countries suffering from infectious diseases.
Yahya made the comment after presenting contributions to 80 orphans and 200 tithe recipients at the Masjid al-amin near here yesterday.