Warisan veep laments high pork prices in Sabah

Datuk Junz Wong.-filepic

KOTA KINABALU: An Opposition assemblyman says the Sabah government has failed to address high pork prices in time for Chinese New Year.

Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong said the situation continued despite an assurance by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

"The government's failure to address the prices of pork in time for Chinese New Year festivities has been felt statewide," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 20).

According to Wong, eatery operators and consumers from the state capital and as far as Sandakan, Tawau, Keningau, Kudat and Beaufort met him recently to voice their disappointment over the rising cost of living, especially pork prices.

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"Everyone is looking forward to a lively atmosphere during Chinese New Year. But the main concern is the rising cost of living, especially the price of pork.

"Not only pricing, but scarcity. I was informed that pig farms have more or less sold out before Chinese New Year, except for one farm.

"So there will be an even worse supply shortage after Chinese New Year," said Wong, who is also Warisan vice president .

Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, had said earlier this month the Sabah government had approved the import of frozen pork products to meet demand for Chinese New Year.

He said the government would allow the import of pork products until the situation returned to normal.

"This is especially to cater to demand (during the) festive season," he said when contacted on Jan 2.

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The pork industry in Sabah had been badly affected by African Swine Fever (ASF) over the past two years, affecting the local market.

Based on feedback from business operators, Wong said pork belly was being sold at RM40 per kg in Peninsular Malaysia but around RM58 per kg in Sabah.

Lean meat cost RM28 per kg in the peninsula but RM43 per kg in Sabah, he said.

He said Sabahans faced a higher cost of living than people in the peninsula, who had generally higher average incomes. Therefore, he urged proper communication and planning between the Federal and state governments.

"This issue must be taken seriously by the government," he said, adding there was a pressing need to stabilise the price of pork in Sabah.