KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is considering lifting the ban on pork imports from Thailand as part of efforts to address the rising cost of pork in the market, following recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry had reassessed the risk analysis related to ASF and was reviewing the possibility of reallowing pork imports from Thailand, which were suspended in 2019.

Apart from Thailand, the other exporting countries were China, Poland, Belgium, Vietnam and Cambodia.

"The consideration is subject to full compliance with Malaysia's veterinary import requirements, including audit inspections and formal approval by DVS," he said in a written reply to Cha Kee Chin (PH–Rasah) in the Dewan Rakyat.

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Mohamad said the decision would also take into account the current demand and the need to ensure adequate supply.

He said the ministry had taken several steps to strengthen pork supply, including approving 130 abattoirs from nine countries to export pork to Malaysia, and facilitating the export of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor for slaughter purposes.

"These measures are necessary to support the local supply chain and stabilise prices, especially in Peninsular Malaysia," he added.

Mohamad also said DVS was in the process of evaluating Brazil as a potential new source country for pork imports.

On the ASF situation, he confirmed that the disease remains endemic in Malaysia.

The latest outbreak was reported on July 9 in Kampung Selamat, Seberang Perai Utara, Penang, affecting three pig farms with a combined total of 2,799 pigs.

"As of now, 578 pigs have been culled and disposed of, with 124 deaths reported. Eradication efforts at the affected farms are still ongoing," he said.

The Penang Veterinary Services Department has implemented several control measures at the outbreak sites, including restrictions on livestock movement, culling of infected animals, and disinfection of the premises.