April 18, 2008

Malaysian pork exports to Singapore may be finalised in 2011

Singapore may be considering importing Malaysian pork but the process could take at least three years.

Sarawak is currently building a modern and centralised pig farm but it will take up to 2011 to resettle its pig farmers there.

The 4.36 million square feet large facility would have the capacity to export chilled pork to countries like Singapore, but the pig farmers would have to settle in comfortably in the new environment before pushing up production, according to Dr Steven Gabriel, a senior veterinary officer in Sarawak's agriculture department.

Sarawak's farmers slaughter about 1,000 pigs daily for local consumption, but the new farm at Pasir Puteh, could slaughter about 2,400 pigs daily. About 70 farmers have so far agreed to relocate to the new farm, which if passes the AVA's standard checks, could export half of its daily slaughter to Singapore.

Sarawak has not yet made any official application to AVA, but its pork suppliers and veterinary officials were briefed on food safety standards and import health requirements when they visited a slaughterhouse in Singapore last year, according to AVA spokesman Goh Shih Yong.

The Singaporean government is open to the idea of re-accepting Malaysian pork, said Grace Fu, senior minister of State for National Development and Education on Wednesday (April 16, 2008).

However, Meat Traders Association president Jack Koh warns that the rising feed costs and transportation costs mean that pork prices may not be any lower despite the close proximity of Sarawak and Singapore.

Confirmation that Singapore is considering lifting the nearly 10-year ban on Malaysian pork follows the revelation that it would be importing pork from Chile and the Philippines, bringing the number of Singapore's pork suppliers to 12.