July 9, 2004

Malaysian Poultry Farmers Urged To Seek Out Potential Markets

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants local poultry farmers to identify new markets internationally by selling the fact that Malaysia is free of the disease.

He urged them to scout for potential buyers in markets like Japan, and even China and Thailand which have been badly hit by the disease.

"The bird flu incident that took place in other countries is actually a blessing in disguise for us. It is up to the local poultry farmers to see how they should take advantage of the situation," he added.

On preparations to face the disease here, he said Malaysia was better prepared this time around.

He said the ministry would continue to treat the incident as a priority matter as the situation in the region was still critical.

"We will continue to monitor all poultry farms, pet shops, bird sanctuaries as well as the entry and exit points along the borders.

"On top of that, we will also continue with the ban on imported poultry products from affected countries such as Thailand and China," he added.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) said it would be stepping up border inspections for chicken smuggled from Thailand.

It will also monitor chicken farms nationwide.

"We are now in full alert at the moment and will not let up on our efforts. All farms have to give detailed reports on the bird's mortality rate once a week and we will also monitor bird sanctuaries nationwide. As of now, there are no reported case of Avian flu here," the spokesman said.