Anwar rallies to investigate thoroughly ‘meat cartel’ scandal

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a thorough investigation over the “meat cartel” scandal, which is believed is syndicate to have been passing off non-halal imported meat as “halal” for decades in Malaysia.

The Opposition Leader who is also the PKR president said such “immoral activity” is a wake-up call for everyone, including the government, to step up the fight against corruption as it has tarnished the image of Islamic halal regulators.

He said that the scandal has tarnished the reputation and image of the institution entrusted with maintaining and protecting Islamic standards, without naming any names or organizations.

He added that despite receiving a not inconsequential amount almost every year, this scandal has damaged public trust in the institution.

He urged that to stop the rot and for the government and ministries to conduct a thorough, methodical and transparent investigation immediately and bring the culprits and masterminds to justice.

This scandal was first revealed that senior officers from at least four government agencies are believed to be working hand-in-glove with a cartel specialising in bringing non-certified meat, including kangaroo and horse, into Malaysia and passing it off as halal-certified products.

Unnamed sources were quoted claiming there were senior officers, entrusted with ensuring that halal standards are upheld, have instead received bribes and sexual services, in exchange for ensuring the cartel’s operations go undetected.

This cartel has been understood to be operating for more than 40 years, and is said to import meat from non-halal-certified slaughterhouses in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Spain and Mexico.

As of this moment, the countries that have been certified by the Malaysian authorities for the import of halal meat are only from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.

These imports are being handled by Jakim and the Veterinary Services Department. Meanwhile the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department, Customs Department and port police are in charge of managing the supplies once they enter Malaysian ports, and it is believed officials from that agency are also implicated.

Jakim was reported that they have appealed for all parties to refrain from speculating about the “meat cartel” case.