The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is considering lifting its ban on pork imports from Thailand in an effort to stabilise the rising cost of pork in Malaysia, following recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry has re-evaluated the ASF risk analysis and is reviewing the possibility of resuming pork imports from Thailand, which have been suspended since 2019. Other countries affected by similar import bans include China, Poland, Belgium, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
However, he stressed that any decision to lift the ban will be contingent upon full compliance with Malaysia’s veterinary import requirements — including site audits and formal approval by the DVS.
Mohamad added that the move is also influenced by current market demand and the need to ensure sufficient pork supply. To boost local availability, the ministry has already approved 130 abattoirs across nine countries to export pork to Malaysia and is facilitating the transport of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor for slaughter.
“These efforts are crucial to strengthening the local pork supply chain and stabilising prices, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
The DVS is also evaluating Brazil as a potential new source for pork imports.
On the ASF situation in Malaysia, Mohamad confirmed that the disease remains endemic, with the latest outbreak reported on July 9 in Kampung Selamat, Seberang Perai Utara, Penang. Three farms were affected, with a total of 2,799 pigs involved. So far, 578 pigs have been culled, 124 have died, and containment measures are still ongoing.
The Penang Veterinary Services Department has imposed strict control measures, including livestock movement restrictions, culling of infected pigs, and disinfection of affected farms.
