November 17, 2008

                        
Malaysia bans poultry imports from Thailand
                     

Malaysia has banned poultry imports from Thailand following a bird flu outbreak in the northern Thai province of Sukhothai.

The issuing of import permits for Thai poultry has been suspended with immediate effect, said Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister, on Friday (November 14, 2008).

The move was taken to protect Malaysia from bird flu, and border agencies have been instructed to assist the veterinary authorities to curb poultry smuggling from Thailand, said Mustapa, adding that checks points along the Thai-Malaysia border in the northern peninsula will be stepped up.

The suspension will not hurt poultry supply as Malaysia does not import much Thai poultry and the domestic production should be able to meet local demand, according to Mustapa.

Malaysia has imported 769 tonnes of chicken from Thailand between September and November 2008, said Mustapa.