KUCHING: Relevant enforcement agencies have been urged to step up checks on alleged rampant illegal pork smuggling activities in Sarawak following claims that the local market is being flooded with uncertified supplies.
Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh has alleged that large quantities of pork sold in the state did not originate from countries approved by the Sarawak government.
He claimed that only pork imported from Germany and Denmark has been legalised by the state authorities to meet local demand.
“Enforcement agencies must immediately investigate and tighten border controls.
“The presence of illegal pork, smuggled from non-approved countries, in the market poses
significant dangers, ranging from critical public health threats to severe economic impact on the local agricultural sector,” he said.
Sarawak had allowed imports from the two European countries following a severe pork shortage caused by the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which devastated local pig farms about three years ago.
The ASF outbreak crippled pig farming operations across several divisions, leading to supply disruptions and a spike in pork prices.
To stabilise the market and ensure sufficient supply, the state government approved controlled imports from certified sources.
However, Miro alleged that pork from non-approved countries has since entered the market through illegal channels, undermining state policies and threatening consumer confidence.
He noted that illegal pork often bypasses veterinary inspections and import restrictions designed to prevent the spread of diseases, notably ASF.
He stressed that strict monitoring at entry points, wholesale markets and cold storage facilities is necessary to prevent further smuggling activities.
Consumers, he said, should also remain vigilant and ensure that the pork they purchase carries proper documentation and certification.
He urged the relevant departments to intensify enforcement efforts to safeguard public health and protect the integrity of Sarawak’s food supply chain.
Illegal meat may carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites due to unregulated slaughter, improper storage, and lack of hygiene.
Consumption of contaminated, undercooked, or improperly handled pork can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches, and, in rare cases, fatal complications.
