KUCHING: Sarawak has banned the import of live pigs, pork and pork products from Peninsular Malaysia following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Kuala Langat, Selangor.
State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi said this was necessary to protect Sarawak from the virus, which could devastate the local swine industry.
"We only allow the importation of pork and pork products from countries free from ASF and foot and mouth disease (FMD).
"The processing plants must be approved by my ministry through the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVS) with a valid import permit," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 27).
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Dr Rundi warned that importing pork and pork products without a permit was an offence under Section 8 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000 and confiscation of products.
He also clarified that Sarawak previously never allowed the importation of live pigs and pork from the peninsula as it was not FMD-free.
On Tuesday (Feb 25), the Selangor DVS said 1,868 pigs from two farms in the state had been disposed of to control the spread of ASF.
It said the animals were among 76,000 pigs confirmed to be infected with ASF at farms in Sepang and Kuala Langat.
