Hygiene and smuggling concerns raised over poultry sales in Malaysia

Public health and regulatory concerns have emerged following two separate incidents involving poultry in Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur, a business in the Pudu area is facing allegations of extreme hygiene violations after social media footage appeared to show rats gnawing on raw chicken stored in black water tanks. The viral videos, shared by social media users, sparked widespread public outcry regarding potential bacterial contamination and the halal status of the meat.

In a separate incident in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, authorities conducted a raid on a frozen chicken wholesaler in Pasir Tumboh. During the operation, known as Ops Salju Mega, police and municipal officials discovered 209 boxes of frozen chicken weighing 2,508 kg, valued at RM42,845. The 38-year-old suspect is alleged to have received between 300 and 500 boxes from a supplier in Thailand. The suspect failed to produce valid business documents or proof of ownership for the stock. The Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI) has issued a notice and a compound offer to the individual for operating without a license and for improper waste disposal.