KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — More than 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken suspected of being processed without complying with Islamic slaughtering requirements and halal certification standards were seized during a raid on a warehouse in Puchong here shortly after midnight yesterday.

Twelve Bangladeshi and Pakistani men, believed to be involved in slaughtering and processing chickens at the premises, were also detained during the operation, codenamed Op Taring Chiller.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the raid, conducted at 12.40am, uncovered premises suspected of being used to slaughter, process and distribute fresh chicken without valid halal certification.

He said preliminary inspections revealed slaughtering and handling practices that raised serious concerns over compliance with Islamic requirements and the halal status of the products.

“Inspections found that the chickens were believed to have been immersed in hot water until they died before being slaughtered,” he said in a statement today.

The integrated operation was carried out in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), Department of Environment and Petaling District Health Office.

Mohd Zaki said authorities seized 468 plastic packages containing raw chicken weighing approximately 6,555 kilogrammes, with an estimated value of RM85,400.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the premises had allegedly been operating as a chicken slaughtering, processing and distribution centre for some time, with supplies sourced from several poultry farms around Sepang.

“The processed chicken was believed to have been distributed to customers, including restaurants, grocery shops and supermarkets across the Klang Valley,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Sections 3(1)(a) and 4(1) of the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011 and Section 38(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

The 12 foreign nationals are also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. — Bernama