KUCHING – Authorities in Sarawak have recorded a significant breakthrough in their ongoing campaign against the illegal storage and sale of frozen food products.
The Sarawak Brigade General Operations Force (PGA), working in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department, carried out a major enforcement action under Op Taring Chiller on 9 February 2026.
The operation, conducted in the Kuching district, led to the arrest of a 32-year-old local man suspected of running an unlicensed frozen meat business. During the raid, officers uncovered a substantial stockpile of frozen pork products amounting to 15,756 kilograms.
Alongside the meat, investigators also seized processing equipment and cold storage facilities. The estimated value of the confiscated goods stands at RM5.25 million.
Sarawak Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phal confirmed the success of the operation, noting that the case has been handed over to the Veterinary Services Department for further investigation.
The matter will be pursued under Section 9/11 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, which governs offences related to food safety and public health.
The enforcement action highlights growing concerns about unregulated food distribution in the state. Authorities have repeatedly warned that the sale of products without proper documentation poses risks to consumer safety and undermines public confidence in food standards.
The seizure also reflects wider efforts by Malaysian enforcement agencies to curb smuggling and ensure compliance with health regulations.
Frozen meat smuggling has been a recurring issue in Malaysia, with past cases involving large-scale operations that bypass veterinary checks and import permits.
Such activities not only threaten food safety but also disrupt legitimate businesses that comply with regulations. Officials stress that illegal imports may carry diseases or contaminants, making strict enforcement essential.
The Sarawak PGA Brigade has pledged to intensify monitoring and enforcement measures across the state.
According to SAC Lim, the force remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring that food products entering the market meet required standards.
He emphasised that similar operations will continue to be carried out to deter offenders and protect public health.
This latest success under Op Taring Chiller demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement between police and veterinary authorities. It also sends a clear message that illegal food distribution will not be tolerated in Sarawak.
