By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: African Swine Fever (ASF) remains a significant concern despite the absence of major outbreaks this year, warned Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
Chan noted that ASF cases were recorded during the Chinese New Year period last year, emphasising that the threat persists.
"ASF is still an ongoing issue. Even though we have not seen cases recently, farmers must remain extra careful," he told reporters after distributing pork rebate coupons to residents at Lido Market today.
Chan, who is also the Kota Kinabalu member of parliament, stressed that disease prevention hinges on robust farm management and strict biosecurity protocols.
"Pig farms should not allow outsiders to freely enter. Even farmers must use protective equipment, practice hand hygiene, and observe quarantine procedures. ASF is essentially about biosecurity and environmental management, not identity or religion," he added.
He further explained that modern closed-farm systems are vital in reducing infection risks and environmental issues associated with scattered operations.
He noted that while federal funding for a designated pig farming area in Sabah has been available since 2018, the project has yet to materialise.
On the issue of pork prices, Chan highlighted the need for greater market competition to stabilise costs.
Prices spiked significantly between 2021 and 2023 following ASF outbreaks that decimated the local live pig supply.
While live pig prices in Peninsular Malaysia have plateaued at approximately RM1,700 per 100kg since 2023, Chan observed that retail prices have yet to show a downward trend.
Regarding the RM80,000 in rebate coupons distributed today, Chan confirmed the initiative was funded through his parliamentary allocation for constituents celebrating the Lunar New Year
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