August 9, 2004

Malaysia Take Measures To Prevent Bird Flu Outbreak

Malaysia has taken all necessary measures to prevent the Avian Influenza from affecting its poultry industry, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said.

On the duck farm in Perak where one case of AI was detected according to Singapore authorities, he said tests conducted on the ducks at the farm had shown them to be free from AI, he told reporters after presenting excellent service awards to Fama staff here Friday night.

On reports that Japan had suspended poultry imports from Malaysia, he said it was merely a precautionary move.

" I believe it is quite normal for them (Japan) to suspend poultry imports form Malaysia because they would want to be doubly sure," Muhyiddin said.

He said Japan in recent months had been importing 10 containers of poultry per month following its suspension of poultry imports from Thailand.

Turning to the export of fruits, Muhyiddin said fruits bearing the Malaysian logo "Malaysia's Best" had been popular in Singapore and Hong Kong and they would also be exported to Japan and Australia.

" Papayas, melons and star fruits have been popular in these countries and export of rambutans, mangosteens and durians is also under consideration," he said.

He said Hong Kong at present imported RM150 million worth of fruits from Malaysia annually.