MIRI: The Sarawak government has officially banned the importation of live pigs, pork, and pork products from Peninsular Malaysia in response to the recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Kuala Langat, Selangor.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom confirmed the decision, stating that the move is crucial to safeguarding Sarawak’s swine industry from the devastating effects of the virus.
“Sarawak only permits the importation of pork and pork products from countries that are free from ASF and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Additionally, all imported pork must come from processing plants approved by my ministry through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak and must be accompanied by a valid import permit,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 27).
Dr Rundi also clarified that Sarawak has never allowed the importation of live pigs or pork from Peninsular Malaysia due to its non-FMD-free status.
He emphasised that any importation without a valid permit is a violation of Section 8 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, with confiscation of the products.
Meanwhile, the latest ASF outbreak was detected in Kuala Langat, Selangor, raising concerns over the spread of the highly contagious virus.
ASF does not pose a threat to humans but is deadly to pigs, causing severe economic losses to the swine industry.
There is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease, making prevention and strict biosecurity measures the only effective means of control.
Sarawak’s proactive stance aims to prevent the virus from entering the state, ensuring the continued safety of its livestock industry.
