Dr Rundi: ASF situation in Sarawak under control

Dr Rundi (fourth right) visiting the TOCLAN Agrotech Company on Wednesday. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Aug 11: The African Swine Flu (ASF) situation in Sarawak is now under control as compared to its first outbreak in 2021, said Minister of Modernisation of Agricuture and Regional Dvelopment Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

According to a news report from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, Dr Rundi said the condition of some livestock farms such as those in Sibu and Miri has improved following the pig culling measures that have been implemented.

He said currently, the Department of Veterinary Service (DVS) Sarawak has gone to the ground to monitor the situation in Serian.

ā€œThey also received reports from local residents regarding the possibility of ASF transmissions in the area,ā€ he told reporters during his visit to TOCLAN Agrotech Company, in Jalan Canna on Wednesday (Aug 10).

Dr Rundi noted that the main pig breeding center for export activities in Pasir Puteh, Simunjan is also still free from ASF and has sufficient supplies for export to Singapore.

He said with high demand for pork meat from Singapore, the pig farming industry is a lucrative business.

As such, he added, two locations in Spaoh and Bintulu have been identified and approved to be developed as new pig farms.

Meanwhile, Dr Rundi expressed his disappointment regarding the actions of a few breeders who did not dispose pig carcasses properly after the culling process had been carried out.

He called for them to continue adhering to the procedures and standards set to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the environment. ā€” DayakDaily