KOTA BARU: CONSUMERS have been warned to be wary of non-halal beef and buffalo meat brought in from across the border and sold as venison.
It has emerged that the sale of fake deer meat or venison, brought in from Thailand, is on the rise because of a lack of action by the authorities.
According to those involved in the business, the problem was identified a few years ago and limited only to Kelantan but it has since spread to other states in the peninsula.
Meat supplier Azreen Mohamed Arif said sellers from across the border claimed that the meat was venison but it was actually beef or buffalo meat.
"The scam started because there is a demand for deer meat in the country but supply is usually limited.
"There is also fear that the meat may be non-halal because the animals are not slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
"Some of the suppliers did not realise that the meat was not venison but others were aware of it but continued to distribute it to make a profit."
Azreen said many traders willingly bought the meat from Thailand as the price there was about 50 per cent lower than in the country. He said local venison cost between RM60 and RM80 per kg in the market.
Azreen said fake venison was also exported to other states in the country through Port Klang and supplies had recently increased with the coming fasting month.
Meanwhile, Anti-Smuggling Unit director-general Datuk Ab Rahim Ismail said he had not received any information on the entry of fake deer meat but would look into the matter.
"We are concerned about this, especially as it involves the halal issue.
"I call on the public to provide us information if they come across the sale of such meat.
"We will beef up our operation, especially in hot spots along the border, which have been identified for such illegal activities.
"Action will be taken immediately based on information and our intelligence."