By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 15: Following the proper disposal of 20 pig carcasses, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak will take action against pig farmers who illegally dumped the dead pigs suspected to have died of Africa Swine Fever (ASF) at Jalan Semadang-Jambusan, Bau.
According to Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, DVS Sarawak and the Bau District Council had properly buried the 20 pig carcasses today.
“In situ burial has gotten the approval from the land owner,” said Dr Rundi when contacted.
A picture of a pile of dead pigs dumped in an unknown remote place has been circulating on social media. Along with it is the recording of a woman claiming that pigs are dying in Bau.
She says the pig farmers have dumped the carcasses at Kampung Serikin and Kampung Skio, and a police report has been lodged.
Stating that she would stop taking pork for the time being, she alleges that the pig population in the Bau district have been wiped out but is uncertain if the same thing is happening in Serian and Kuching.
Suspecting that these dead pigs may be from the farms in Bau, Dr Rundi said samples have been taken from the pigs suspected of having died of ASF and sent to the laboratory for confirmation.
As for the culprits, Dr Rundi said should there be evidence of foul play, the farmers found to be dumping the carcasses will be charged under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 32 of the same Act.
If the farmers were to be found operating without a licence, they might be fined a further RM5,000 and farm closure will ensue under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
“DVS Sarawak will take stern action against the culprit and strengthen our surveillance of all pig farms in Sarawak,” Dr Rundi assured.
Calling for members of the public to stay calm, he pointed out that pork sold in the market is safe for human consumption as it is supplied from disease-free farms.
“The size of the pig sold (may be) a bit smaller than before, and pork price has increased due to reduction in pig population,” said Dr Rundi. — DayakDaily
