The veterinary services department said they were cautious about illegal imports of meat as diseases like African swine fever can easily affect local livestock. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: The veterinary services department (DVS) has seized 190 tonnes of pig carcasses, mostly imported from Brazil and Russia, worth RM4.3 million.
DVS, in a statement today, said the carcasses were seized at seven locations in Selangor and four in Johor during an enforcement operation conducted over two phases from May to June and earlier this month.
“The pig carcasses were seized along with five containers, one binding machine and 59 bundles of strings,” it said.
DVS said the seized pig carcasses had been disposed of in accordance with subsection 68(3) of the Animals Act 1953 with the approval of the courts.
According to the statement, nine cases related to the carcasses, from Brazil and Russia, were being investigated under subsection 5(1)(b) of the Animals Act 1953 and two cases are under subsection 5(3) of the Animals (Control of Slaughter) Rules 2009.
DVS said it viewed this matter seriously as it has implications for the control of diseases, such as African swine fever, stemming from livestock, that could impact the pig farming industry.
“Stern action will be taken against importers, storage facility owners and pork sellers to ensure pig carcasses are only imported from countries permitted under subsection 5(1)(b) of the Animals Act 1953.
“We will continue to beef up enforcement in collaboration with other agencies, including the police, domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry and the local authorities,” DVS said.
It said an integrated operation would be conducted to check on frozen storage warehouses as well as pork production and processing premises.
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