KPDNHEP main agency investigating meat cartel issue - IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will be the main agency to investigate the meat cartel issue, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

He said the Royal Malaysian Police will assist KPDNHEP in any way possible to conduct their investigations.

"The police will investigate (and) open investigation papers from the angle of what actions (were committed).

"(This is because) such actions have caused fear, worry and concern among Malaysians and we will open investigation papers under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code (for causing fear and alarm to the public),” he told Bernama after receiving the Bintang Bhayangkara Utama award at Bukit Aman here today.

Bernama reported yesterday that Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the police believed the illegal activities linked to the meat cartel involved a wide network and domestic and foreign syndicates.

In addition, the investigation covered those who were involved in acquiring, storing, processing, smuggling, and also associates who manipulated, conspired and brought in the frozen meat using Approved Permits (APs).

Until today, the police have received 13 reports from the public throughout the country on the issue.

The media previously reported on the activities of a cartel involved in smuggling frozen meat from several countries before repackaging the meat using the halal logo in a warehouse in Senai, Johor.

-- BERNAMA