SIBU, March 3: The government has been urged to consider giving financial assistance to pig farmers and sellers whose businesses have been badly affected by the recent spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan told reporters during a visit to pork sellers at the central market here today that financial relief should be given to both small and big farmers and the pork sellers.
“Some of these farmers have a few hundred pigs; between 300 to 400. Others have about 100 to 200. I suggest that the government come up with some form of aid to assist them,” he said.
Lidam said there are also some unlicensed farmers in the suburban area who are rearing pigs for additional income. They too have suffered losses due to ASF.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said he would work with Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom on this financial aid.
“Some farmers have sent in their request for financial aid. The others are from the Sibu Pork Dealers Association. We hope the government can give a one-off financial aid or the council could waive their license fees so as to lighten their burden,” he said.
Chieng said since ASF was reported here, the association reported a 50 per cent drop in business in the last two to three months as people were scared to consume pork. — DayakDaily
