October 31, 2022

 

Malaysian government urged to moderate rising pork prices

 

Pork farmers in Malaysia are urging the government to moderate rising pork prices in the country as prices for the meat are expected to increase further due to outbreaks of diseases and surging input costs, The Star reported.

 

Pork traders said live swine farm prices, which are currently trading at MYR 13.50 (~US$2.86; MYR 1 = US$0.21) per kg, are anticipated to increase next month.

 

The price increase, according to the Federation of Livestock Farmers' Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM), was brought on by a rise in operating expenses as well as the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in several states.

 

The increase, which was dubbed the "highest increase in history," was brought on by the swine fever outbreak and the fluctuating price of animal feed.

 

Wong Fu Sheng, the chairman of the Penang Pig Farmers Association and the FLFAM representative for Penang, said the price of swine feed, which used to cost MYR 800 (~US$169.20) per tonne, has increased to MYR 2,000 (~US$423) per tonne.

 

Wong said raw materials are expensive, and operating costs are high as well. As a result, total costs have increased by 50% to 60%.

 

The only current preventative measure against African swine fever (ASF) is the culling of infected pigs and disinfection of the farm. Swine farms are being destroyed, and there is currently no vaccine to protect the swine.

 

He said to clear the farm and repopulate it with other livestock, it takes six to nine months.

 

Chow Poh Yue, chairman of the Malaysia Pork Meat Traders' Association, hoped that the government would step in to stop the skyrocketing price of pork.

 

Chow said the government ought to make an effort to control rising pork prices as everything is increasing right now, food operators are complaining, and the general public is also struggling.

 

He argued that the government ought to intervene because swine farms had been arbitrarily raising prices and that the Chinese New Year was quickly approaching (Jan 22, 2023).

 

Pork traders said that since this is the ninth increase this year, the government needs to step in.

 

Chow also questioned why the cost of domestic pork (from animals raised in Malaysia) was more expensive than that of imports.

 

Chow said Malaysia charges MYR 1,350 (~US$285.53) per 100kg for live swine, Thailand charges MYR 1,300 (~US$274.96), and Denmark charges MYR 400 (~US$84.60).

 

Chow issued a warning that businesses and consumers would switch to imported frozen pork if local farms continued to raise their prices.

 

He said that over the past few months, consumers who were feeling the pinch had bought less local pork.

 

He also said they no longer slaughter 120 swine every day; only 30. The market is experiencing a shortage of 30,000 live swine per month as a result of ASF, he said, adding that 3,000 pork retailers may have to close their doors if the situation persists.

 

Wong Teu Hoon, president of the Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association, said the cost of pork belly increased from MYR 23.50 (~US$4.97) per kg in January to MYR 30 (~US$6.35) in August, forcing restaurant owners to change their menu prices.

 

-      The Star