Kota Kinabalu: The General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested 16 individuals, including four women, and seized RM4.57 million worth of frozen goods in raids under Op Taring Chiller across seven districts in Sabah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah GOF Brigade Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias stated that the individuals detained were workers and business owners, aged between 19 and 63, operating unlicensed food distribution premises in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Keningau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Tawau.

He revealed that the raids were executed based on intelligence, commencing at around 10 am last Friday at various premises within the affected districts. The premises are suspected of distributing frozen food without the necessary permits and failing to adhere to regulations set by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department and the Ministry of Health.

“The illegal goods have been sent to a veterinary warehouse. The seized items, consisting of various types of meat, including chicken, duck, beef, and other frozen products, are estimated to be worth RM4.57 million,” he mentioned when contacted by Bernama.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, the Food Act 1983, and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009. A total of 76 police personnel and veterinary officers participated in the operation.