PORT KLANG: A total of 73 packs of 'Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates' believed to be products from Israel were seized by the Customs Department in a raid at a warehouse here yesterday.
Its deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the 14.6-kilogramme (kg) pack was valued at RM678,
He said the 11.30am raid was conducted by the Central Zone Unit II (Selangor), following a viral video alleging the existence of a premises suspected to be selling dates from Israel.
"Upon inspection of the warehouse, we found 73 packs of dates labeled 'Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates' suspected to be products from Israel.
"A local man in his 40s who is believed to be the owner of the business was arrested for further investigation.
"The trade value is estimated at RM678 involving a seizure quantity of 14.6 kg," he said at a press conference at the Customs Northern Port office here today.
Sazali said raids were also conducted at two other locations involving an office in Klang and an organic food store in Petaling Jaya.
He said investigation found that the dates were bulk-imported along with other food items from European countries in 2022 and declared as 'Food Stuff'.
"They were then repackaged for sale in the local market at prices ranging from RM20 to RM30 per pack," he said.
Sazali said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which pertains to the possession of prohibited goods.
He added that any products from Israel to this country require a special permit from the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry.
"Members of the public with any related information can contact the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs Office," he said.