By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Aug 24: The authorities are looking into allegations of sacks containing dead pigs being thrown into Sungai Semenggo 2.
Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said, “Yes, we were told about the so-called illegal waste dumping. The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has been notified and is looking into it.”
Speaking to reporters after the ministry’s Innovative & Creative Circle mini convention today, Dr Rundi reminded farmers on the challenges faced not just by them but also the Sarawak government on the recent spike in African Swine Fever (ASF) disease.
“Sarawak is still struggling with ASF. There is nothing much we can do to avoid the virus because it comes from the border, but we can prevent it from spreading further to other areas in the State.
“Our pig farm operators or even the small farmers must be aware and we need to find ways to mitigate this problem,” Rundi said.
Earlier today, Michael Kong Feng Nian who is the special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen had claimed that some 30 sacks containing pig carcasses have been thrown into the river.
Yesterday (Aug 23), Kong said a resident from Taman Kota Sentosa had informed him there were approximately eight sacks in the river over the past few days.
Concerned over possible health hazards to the public, Kong urged the authorities to take action against indiscriminate dumping. — DayakDaily
