Live pig imports from Sarawak to Selangor subject to strict controls since July 2025, says deputy minister

Live pig imports from Sarawak to Selangor have been conducted under approved import licences and strict controls since July 2025 to stabilise supply and prices following disruptions to the pig farming industry caused by African Swine Fever (ASF). — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 8:13 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — The import of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor since July 2025 has been carried out with import licence approval and is subject to compliance with strict control procedures to help stabilise market supply and prices following disruptions to the pig farming industry caused by the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). 

Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the policy had been repeatedly communicated to the media and the Dewan Rakyat, and should therefore not be portrayed as a new measure introduced only this year. 

“I deeply regret that allegations and accusations have been made without examining the facts, with some even attempting to link the issue to the Sultan of Selangor’s royal decree and turn it into a controversy based on inaccurate information,” he said in a statement today. 

He said Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom had announced the matter in July 2025 during an official loading ceremony at Pending Port, Sarawak. 

Further clarification had also been provided by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, who was then Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, and by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu through oral question sessions and written replies in the Dewan Rakyat. 

Chan said Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim had also explained that the state government allowed the issuance of import licences for live pigs from Sarawak, subject to strict conditions and control procedures. The animals are not permitted to stop at any other location and have to be transported directly to a slaughterhouse in Rawang. 

“I was also informed that strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been established from the outset to ensure that the handling of livestock at Port Klang is conducted in a controlled and orderly manner. 

“Among the measures imposed is the restriction of live animal unloading activities to between 8 pm and 5 am. The animals are unloaded using specialised cages before being transferred directly onto lorries for delivery to the slaughterhouse in Rawang,” he said. 

He said the procedures are to ensure smooth livestock transportation, minimise handling time at the port and reduce the risk of contamination and disruption to the surrounding environment. 

Therefore, he said, claims that the operation had affected cleanliness and sanitation at the port should not be made without examining the SOPs and control measures in place, stressing that such allegations must be supported by facts and credible evidence.

Chan said he had conducted a working visit to a modern pig farm in Simunjan, Sarawak, in April to observe its operations and procedures for exporting live pigs to Singapore and Selangor. 

“During the visit, I had the opportunity to observe the implementation of stringent biosecurity measures, including the use of livestock transport vessels that meet the stipulated specifications. 

“These measures are important to ensure that livestock transportation is carried out in a controlled and orderly manner, taking into account animal health and risk management throughout the delivery chain,” he said, adding that the issue should be discussed professionally and based on facts, rather than assumptions or inaccurate information. 

He also hoped that all parties would refer to valid information and refrain from making statements that could cause confusion or unwarranted public concern. — Bernama