KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak is banning the importation of pig, pork and pork products from Sabah with immediate effect following the emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in some pig samples.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said there was news depicting eight out of 13 pigs sampled from Pitas, Sabah were positive for the virus.
While Sarawak is still free from the disease, he urged the public not to buy or bring any pork and pork products from Sabah or any neighboring countries.
“This ban is made under Section 8 of the Sarawak Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
“Anyone who contravenes this Import Ban Order or imports any animal or animal product without permit (Section 9) commits an offence and can be fined up to RM50,000 and/or imprisonment for two years,” he said in a press statement today.
Uggah, who is also Second Minister of Finance. said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) would also tighten biosecurity measures in Sarawak especially in Limbang Division and intensify ASF disease surveillance throughout the state.
Several engagement and awareness sessions on ASF have been conducted with relevant stakeholders such as farmers, importers, Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad and other government agencies namely the Customs, Immigration, Port Authorities and Local Councils.
Other than stepping up the awareness campaign and regulatory measures, the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development said DVSS is responsible to ensure the virus does not enter the state.
“Sarawak has a total population of 30,000 sows producing 455,000 porkers annually
worth RM455 million.
“It is DVSS’ responsibility to ensure that the State continues to be free from animal diseases which are zoonotic and of economic importance,” said Uggah. — DayakDaily
