The cartel which smuggled non-certified meat into Malaysia was believed to have utilised a neighbouring country’s seaport as transit point before bringing in the supply.
After sorting out transport arrangement, the meat would be loaded onto lorries and its containers would be declared as “empty” upon inspection at the country’s borders.
After receiving “green light” from the authorities, the meat would then be distributed to the local market.
The importation and transfer process were strategically planned and involved many parties, including civil servants on both sides of the borders who have raked in lucrative income from such activities.
Sources said the lorries were utilised to transport other items from Malaysia, before smuggling in the non-certified meat during their return trip.
“At the inspection zone (at the borders), no one will suspect anything amiss when the container has been declared empty. Moreover, they (the meat cartel) are being helped by insiders.”
Sources said a majority of meat and parts, including liver, lung, tripe and oxtail, were brought in from South America.
“Oxtail is the most popular part being smuggled due to the high demand in the local market.
“People in the North and South America, as well as Europe normally do not take them but are served as dishes in Asian countries, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia.
“This is the reason why the meat was brought into the country,” the sources said.
Since Monday, the meat cartel made headlines for importing non-certified beef to be distributed in the local market.
The cartel is believed to have been working hand-in-hand with the civil servants who were on the take.
Subsequently, the Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation paper (IP) over the matter.
The IP that was opened under Section 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009 focused on the forgery of Customs Form 1, which is used to declare import items and bribery in relevant agencies. – NST