PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s pork importers have voiced concern over the government’s approval of four Thai slaughterhouses to ship pork into the country, warning of animal disease risks and possible confusion for consumers.
Malaysia Association of Pork Products Importers and Exporters (Mappie) president Datuk Lai Poh Chon said Thailand has reported African swine fever (ASF) cases in the past one to two years, and some pigs there have also been found with Streptococcus suis, a bacteria that can affect humans.
“With ASF still being reported in Thailand from time to time, allowing pork imports from there raises questions on whether the decision was made too hastily,” Lai said in a statement on Friday (Feb 6).
He urged authorities to show that biosecurity risks to local farms had been fully assessed.
Lai said Malaysia had previously imposed strict controls on pork and pork products from ASF-affected countries, including dried meat and luncheon meat, whether shipped commercially or carried in by travellers. He warned that unclear labelling and origin information in the market could make it hard for consumers to know where pork is from, which he called “unfair.”
He also questioned what he described as “double standards”, noting that Spain, Germany and Poland were banned after ASF outbreaks, while Thailand is now allowed in “under what appears to be similar animal disease risk conditions.”
Lai added that live pig imports from Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia have been approved, so domestic supply is “not entirely insufficient.”
He said relying more on imported pork could drain foreign exchange and run against national goals of self‑sufficiency, citing Thai media reports that exports to Malaysia could reach several billion baht.
Malaysia’s local pig industry is still recovering from ASF, he said, and more imports could add pressure.
He called for a “professional and transparent” risk review to ensure policy protects consumer safety, stabilises supply and supports the local industry’s recovery.
Earlier today, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has approved pork imports from Thailand and Brazil to meet demand over the Chinese New Year period.
The ministry said all imported pork is subject to strict food safety controls and veterinary health SOPs to ensure a safe supply chain and reduce disease risks. It advised importers to refer to the DVS website (www.dvs.gov.my) for the list of approved abattoirs — three in Brazil and four in Thailand.
