30 December 2020 –
KUCHING, The Sarawak government is taking seriously the issue of smuggled meat in the country and has taken the necessary steps to check its entry into the state, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs & DBKU) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He said the Sarawak government supported whatever action was needed by the authorities, especially the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to address the issue.
He was speaking at a press conference after chairing a special Sarawak Islamic Religious Council meeting here, today.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also the Assistant Minister of Sarawak Utilities (Water Supply) asked the relevant agencies such as the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to further tighten the inspection of imported meat into Sarawak.
He said that today’s meeting also discussed the establishment of an integrated action committee to conduct inspections of meat slaughtering premises.
“We have inspected several premises and we will take certain actions including seizing meat that is found to be non-halal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said imports of frozen chicken had been stopped since November this year due to excess local production.
He said meat imports to Sarawak were only allowed from Australia, New Zealand and India. — Bernama