KUCHING, March 11: Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing supports Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting’s suggestion to build a crematorium to prevent further spreading of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said that although the cost would be relatively high, it is quicker and more effective than burying them (pig carcasses).
“The authorities can draft a proposal, and we would assist in requesting the necessary funding from the Sarawak Premier’s office,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Tiong said food industry players, relevant parties and the public had expressed dissatisfaction, with pork being in high demand after the Sibu Municipal Council’s (SMC) abattoir had been ordered to close for two months.
“Following a preliminary online discussion yesterday morning, I urged the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Land and Survey Department, Public Works Department (JKR), and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) to work to address African Swine Fever (AFS) issue,” he said.
He added that the Sibu Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the SMC must jointly disinfect the abattoir within seven days for reopening and formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent future infections.
He said that the SMC would also upgrade the relevant facilities in the abattoir to ensure that the slaughtering process is done safely and hygienically to prevent the spread of ASF.
Tiong pointed out that after the authorities have formulated the SOPs for the abattoir, the police will then supervise the strict implementation of the procedures.
He also suggested that police invoke the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) to take further action.
“In addition, the authorities must also explore options to carry out isolation, quality, and hygiene control of pigs sent to the slaughterhouse.
“I also recommended that pigs should be handled quickly and slaughtered on the same day to avoid more hygiene problems,” he said.
Tiong noted DVS faces various challenges such as shortage of staff and funds due to addressing the swine fever infection in many Sibu farms, funding approval, and issuance procedures which result in delays that cannot be dealt with quickly.
“As a workaround to resolve these problems quickly, I announced during the meeting that RM100,000 would be allocated to be used as emergency funds for the DVS to eradicate ASF as soon as possible,” he said.
At the same time, regarding the financial difficulties the Sibu Livestock Farmers’ Association faced, Tiong assured that the matter had been communicated to the Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
“Dr Rundi will be submitting a paper to the Cabinet for discussion,” he said. ― DayakDaily
