KUCHING, Dec 19 — Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundie Utom today said importers from the state are allowed to bring in pork and pork products from countries that are free from food and mouth disease (FMD) to meet the shortage in the state.
However, he said they must apply for a permit from the state Veterinary Services Department before they can import pork and pork products.
“The increase in the price of pork in the state is due to shortage of pigs for slaughtering as many pig farms have been closed due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF),” he said in a statement.
He said this has resulted in the number of pig population to decline from the previous 400,000 to about 250,000 at present, adding that many pigs have been culled from contaminated farms and slaughtering houses.
“Moreover, the high cost of animal feed, especially corn, have also pushed up the price of pork in the state, following the Ukrainian-Russian war,” he said.
Rundie said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, with the assistance of the veterinary services department, is monitoring the prices of pork for the purpose of controlling export and import of pork.
He, however, assured that there will be enough supply of pork and pigs for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, from the Pig Farming Area in Pasir Puteh in Simunjan.
He added the pork sold in Sarawak is still cheaper compared to peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
