February 27, 2020

Wholesalers call on Sarawak state government to lift ban on canned pork imports

The ban, imposed by the state government of Sarawak, Malaysia in response to the African swine fever outbreak across Asia, has caused depleting supplies of canned pork in the state, reported Borneo Post.

Kong Ket Dee, Sibu Chamber of Importers Exporters And Wholesalers (SCIEW) president and members of the association met with Chief Minister Michael Tiang's political secretary to call for the ban, imposed on October 2019, to be lifted.

Kong said SCIEW had met with authorities from the federal government of Malaysia but there was no outcome to the discussion.

He added that wholesalers are willing to tolerate any required certification. Previously, the wholesalers needed a certification for importing canned pork from China.

Kong said the wholesalers aren't only focused on their businesses, as they have a responsibility to supply safe food for consumption to the public. He said the food is safe, given that other neighbouring countries have not imposed a ban.

He said the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that pork was safe for consumption at temperatures of 61°C, and canned food needs to be heated at 121°C.

He said he is seeking a meeting with the state ministry with regards to lifting the ban on imported canned pork, especially as during the current challenging economy.

-      Borneo Post