KUCHING, March 13: The incineration method for pig carcasses proposed by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) may be costly and impractical given the large number of pigs slaughtered, said Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
“The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak will continue to use the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to control the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF),” he said in a statement today.
On March 11, Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing supported the SMC’s suggestion to build a crematorium to prevent further spreading of ASF as the method is quicker and more effective than burying carcasses.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi said the SMC’s abattoir could only resume operations after sanitation, decontamination, and evacuation works have been completed.
According to the DVS Malaysia veterinary standing directive SOPs issued by Putrajaya, after the disposal of carcasses and sanitation activities, the premises must be left empty for 40 days before animals can be brought in.
“This ASF virus can be active in the environment over a long period. Therefore, I hope individuals affected by this closure order can be patient for a while,” he said.
Dr Rundi also gave his assurance that pork supply is available from Kuching and is guaranteed to be sufficient to meet the demands of the locals. ― DayakDaily
