Use of beta agonist bans five pig farms in Malaysia

Only five pig farms were found to have used beta agonist on their livestock, based on samples sent to laboratory for testing recently.

According to the Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) president Lee Ah Fatt, the farms were banned from transporting their pigs out.

Beta agonist is used to force the animals to mature faster and increase the lean meat content, but has been said to be unhealthy for consumers.

Of the five farms, two are located in Selangor, while the others are in Perak, Kedah and Penang.

Lee said the association was concerned over the use of beta agonist in pigs and was working with the Veterinary Department to minimise its usage.

The use of beta agonist is prohibited under the proposed 2008 Animal Feed Bill tabled in Malaysia and expected to be approved as the Animal Feed Act next year.