January 3, 2023

Sarawak state, Malaysia to closely monitor pork prices

Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundie Utom, the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development in Sarawak state, Malaysia, said his ministry will be closely monitoring prices of pork within the state, Malay Mail reported.

He said that in order to address the issue of pork supply and to make it easier for the formulation of unified prices, ongoing engagement would be conducted with the federal Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs, swine farmers' associations, and other industry stakeholders.

Dr Rundie said his ministry is also proposing the implementation of a pork price ceiling to the federal Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs, adding that the objective is to stabilise prices and stop further price increases.

He said the Sarawak state government is planning to establish more swine farming areas as a medium- to long-term measure to increase production and meet domestic and foreign demand.

To ensure Sarawak has an excess of pork and can continue to export it, he said the state government will also facilitate the development of modern swine farms with zero discharge, a closed-house system, biogas, and biosecurity infrastructure.

He pointed out that the limited supply and increased demand, which is a common occurrence globally, have caused pressure on pork prices to rise during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Sarawak, he continued, has significantly decreased live swine production.

He said the Sarawak state government will allow the imports of frozen pork products from exporting countries free from foot-and-mouth disease as a temporary measure.

-      Malay Mail