KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is considering lifting its ban on pork imports from Thailand as part of efforts to stabilise retail prices which have been soaring in recent months, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) had re-evaluated the risk analysis related to African Swine Fever (ASF) and was now considering allowing pork cuts from Thailand to be imported once again.
However, he said this would be subject to strict conditions, including full compliance with Malaysia’s import requirements agreed upon with Thai veterinary authorities, as well as audits and recommendations from DVS before approval is granted.
“At present, ASF is categorised as endemic in Malaysia, with outbreaks continuing to emerge from time to time in certain areas,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Mohamad said the most recent outbreak was detected on July 9 in Kampung Selamat, Seberang Perai Utara, Penang, affecting three pig farms with a combined pig population of 2,799.
As of now, he said a total of 578 pigs have been culled and disposed of, while 124 deaths have been recorded. Culling operations at all three farms remain ongoing.
He said Penang DVS has enforced various measures to contain the outbreak, including restricting pig movement, disinfecting affected farms and destroying infected livestock.
Responding to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who raised concerns about soaring pork prices and the government’s preparedness to temporarily allow imports from neighbouring countries, the ministry acknowledged the situation but clarified that retail pork pricing falls under the purview of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Nevertheless, Mohamad said his ministry had taken several steps to ensure pork supply remains sufficient across the country.
These include approving imports from several overseas abattoirs, evaluating new potential export countries such as Brazil and Thailand, and facilitating the transport of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor for slaughter to meet the growing demand for fresh pork in Peninsular Malaysia.
He added that it would continue monitoring the situation closely while upholding stringent health and safety standards in any decision involving pork importation.
