KUALA LUMPUR - Authorities have uncovered two illegal poultry slaughterhouses operating in filthy conditions, with chickens placed directly on the floor and premises emitting unhygienic and foul odours.
This shocking discovery was made during Op Pantau, a joint operation conducted by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and the Immigration Department in Kampung Cheras Baru on Thursday.
In the 1am raid, officials seized 3,200 kilograms of chicken, with the total confiscation valued at RM27,938.
Kuala Lumpur Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director Mohd Sabri Seman said that the operation was launched after a two-week investigation into reports of suspicious standard chicken sales at various food courts in Kuala Lumpur.
"Raids were conducted on four premises, two of which were registered with the local authorities (PBT), while the other two were operating illegally.
"At the time of the raid, foreign workers were found working in the premises,” he revealed during a press conference following the operation.
Sabri said inspections further revealed that foreign workers carried out the slaughtering process at all locations.
"As a result, these premises have committed offences under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 (Act 730) and are also suspected of violating Order 8 of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011,” he said.
In the same operation, 26 foreign nationals from India and Bangladesh were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and they were promptly handed over to the Immigration Department for further action.
"This operation is crucial to ensuring public confidence, particularly among Muslim consumers, that the chicken products being sold comply with halal and syariah requirements,” he added.
Sabri also mentioned that the ministry, in cooperation with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, has conducted inspections at 11 hotel premises from March 2 until Tuesday to ensure compliance with halal food preparation regulations.
"We will not compromise with businesses, manufacturers, or wholesalers who violate established regulations.
"The public is advised to lodge complaints as this issue (poultry slaughtering) is highly sensitive, particularly for Muslim consumers,” he urged the public.