January 28, 2025

Sarawak, Malaysia, stops import of live pigs, pork from Sabah following discovery of ASF

Sarawak, Malaysia, this month issued a notice banning the import of live pigs and pork products from Sabah following the detection of African swine fever (ASF) cases in Keningau during the week of January 6-12.

Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) director Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud said the ban, effective on January 15, includes pig feed.

"We are banning the importation of live pigs and pork products from Sabah effective today (January 15) following the expiry of the ban last year after no ASF cases were detected," Dr. Ambud said. "Sarawak DVS has stepped up monitoring, and posters have been put up at all entry points to inform the public of the ban."

The last ASF cases in Sarawak were detected in Mongkos, Tebedu on November 29 last year, while all other districts in the state were declared ASF-free.

Dr. Ambud assured that Sarawak has sufficient local pork supply to meet the demand for Chinese New Year.

Keningau was reclassified as a ‘red zone' following the detection of ASF on January 7.

— The Borneo Post