Authorities uncover filthy conditions at illegal chicken slaughterhouses in Kuala Lumpur
Two chicken slaughterhouses operating in squalid conditions were raided and shut down in Kuala Lumpur thanks to a joint surveillance operation.
Malaysian authorities place strong emphasis on enforcing hygiene and cleanliness protocols in poultry slaughterhouses. Photo by Ahmad Ukasyah NSTP Malaysia.
Two chicken slaughterhouses operating in squalid conditions were raided and shut down in Kampung Cheras Baru, Kuala Lumpur recently, following a covert two-week surveillance operation. Authorities found chickens left strewn across dirty floors in premises that reeked of foul odours, raising concerns over public health and halal compliance.
Joint raid
The raid, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, the Halal Management Division of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), and the Immigration Department—led to the seizure of approximately 3,200 kg of chicken, valued at around USD 5,870.
According to Kuala Lumpur ministry director Mohd Sabri Seman, the operation followed intelligence reports of suspicious chicken sales in several city food courts. “Four premises were raided—two were legally registered, while the other two were operating without permits,” he said.
Foreign workers were discovered slaughtering chickens at the scene, with the supply reportedly distributed to Muslim vendors across the Klang Valley. This violates several key provisions under Malaysia’s halal certification laws.
“These premises have breached the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and are suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Halal Labeling) Order 2011,” Mohd Sabri explained. Under Order 4(1), no product can be marketed as halal unless it is certified and bears a valid halal logo from an authorised body.
Implications
The implications are serious. Malaysia’s MS1500:2019 halal standard—set by the Department of Standards Malaysia—outlines strict protocols for slaughtering, processing, and handling poultry, including hygienic practices, animal welfare, and the religious qualifications of slaughtermen. The discovery of unlicensed foreign workers handling halal-certified chicken undermines the integrity of the nation’s halal assurance system.
During the raid, 26 foreign nationals from India and Bangladesh were also detained for alleged immigration offences and handed over to the authorities for further investigation.
“This operation is vital to restoring public confidence, particularly among Muslim consumers, that poultry products are prepared in accordance with halal and syariah requirements,” said Mohd Sabri.
He further noted that the ministry, together with Jakim, recently audited 11 hotel kitchens to ensure ongoing compliance with halal food regulations. He warned that strict action would be taken against any party flouting the law, whether at the farm, slaughterhouse, or retail level.
“The public must be vigilant. Reports of unhygienic or suspicious practices are essential in protecting consumer rights—especially in matters as sensitive as halal food preparation,” he added.
