Malaysian traders call for chilled pork imports

Pork sellers in Malaysia want the Veterinary Department to allow the import of chilled pork for all the three major Chinese festivals, as demand is expected to rise by up to 50%.

The call was made by the Federation of Malaysia Pork Sellers' Associations on Wednesday (Jan 20).

The festivals are Chinese New Year on February 14, the Dumplings Festival on June 16 and the Hungry Ghost Festival between August 10 and September 7.

Federation president Goh Chui Lai said the imports could cushion the impact of supply shortage, and the inevitable price hike which had become a norm during the festivals every year.

Goh lauded the department's decision to allow the import of chilled pork to cater for the new year festival next month, adding that consumers would be assured of abundant pork supply at a lower price.

The department would allow the imports of chilled pork from China and Thailand, and suckling pig from Vietnam until February 28 so as to cater to the needs for Chinese New Year.

While the ex-farm price of pig in the country is MYR760 (US$) for every 100kg at present, the ex-farm price in China and Thailand is MYR550 (US$) and MYR600 (US$) respectively.

The stark difference would result in huge savings for consumers, even after subtracting transportation and abattoir charges.

The federation had called for the seasonal import of pork from neighbouring countries and the opening up of more farms to ease shortages.