Frozen Chicken Smuggling Syndicate in Sabah Evades RM1.01 Million in Taxes

Malaysian authorities have uncovered a sophisticated smuggling operation in Sabah, seizing 10 shipping containers filled with frozen chicken worth RM3.74 million. The syndicate, believed to have been active since 2006, evaded taxes by falsely declaring the imported chicken as vegetables, resulting in an estimated RM1.01 million in lost revenue.

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Tax leakage due to the illegal import of frozen chicken in Sabah has reached RM1.01 million so far.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) led the operation, which also involved the Sabah Veterinary Services Department and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Their investigation, initiated in early August, culminated in a raid on August 11, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. These included three businessmen and four civil servants, who have been remanded for three days.

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The syndicate involved made false declarations, declaring the imported frozen chicken as vegetables.

SPRM Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd. Halim Aman stated that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify other individuals involved and explore potential additional offenses. The arrests follow media reports of seven individuals, including four public servants, being remanded for allegedly bribing officials at a Sabah port.

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SPRM seized 10 containers containing goods worth RM3.74 million in an operation to uncover the activity.