Malaysia Seizes Over RM650,000 Worth of Illegal Frozen Pork at Port Klang

Klang: Malaysian Border Control and Protection (AKPS) officers have seized two containers of illegally imported frozen pork worth more than RM650,000 at Port Klang, marking the second such enforcement action within a week.

AKPS Director-General Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the seizure was carried out on Jan. 20 following inspections at the port. Authorities confiscated approximately 49,972.74 kilograms of frozen pork with an estimated value of RM660,137.

According to Mohd Shuhaily, the pork originated from Spain, a country from which pork imports into Malaysia are prohibited. Investigations also revealed that the import permit for the shipment had expired, prompting immediate enforcement action.

He added that the latest seizure followed a similar operation on Jan. 14, when officers intercepted a shipment of pork imported from Belgium. While pork imports from Belgium are permitted, the shipment was seized due to incomplete documentation. Together, the two cases involve illegal pork imports valued at more than RM1 million.

Mohd Shuhaily noted that demand ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year may be contributing to the rise in attempts to import pork illegally. He also reminded the public that pork imports from 14 countries are banned due to the risk of African swine fever.

Although the disease does not pose a risk to humans, he said it can spread rapidly among livestock and potentially affect other animals. Members of the public with information on illegal pork imports have been urged to contact the authorities.

If no legitimate claimant comes forward, AKPS will seek a court order to dispose of the seized goods in accordance with standard procedures, he added.