‘Local pork safe to consume’

There is also sufficient supply to meet CNY demand, say farmers

PETALING JAYA: Local pork and pork-related products are safe for consumption, said the Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia.

Its deputy president Tan Kuang Liang said Malaysians need not worry about the quality and safety of local pork.

“All pork and related products produced locally are safe to be eaten as many of our members have adopted new and hygienic farming methods.

“We also have sufficient supply for the coming Chinese New Year, so consumers need not worry about any drastic price hike due to the outbreak in China,” he said in an interview.

Tan said pig farmers in Malaysia do not import any species of the livestock or raw pork from China.

“All of our members’ pig species are from the United States. We use feed originated from Argentina and Brazil,” he said, adding that the bigger concern was on processed pork-related products from China such as canned products and waxed delicacies like sausages.

Describing the latest ban as appropriate, Tan said consumers need not fear losing their usual festive feast of lap mei (waxed delicacies), which is much sought after during Chinese New Year.

“We have similar products that are made in Malaysia and equally good, too.

“Malaysian producers offer various lap mei, pork sausages, ham and barbequed dried meat for the festive season. With ample supplies, prices will also remain stable,” he said.

Tan questioned why Belgium was excluded from the Department of Veterinary Services’ list of six countries whose products such as canned pork, sausage casings, sliced pork and smoked ham and pork enzymes have been banned temporarily.

He said several other countries are still banning pork products from Belgium.

“Farmers are worried about the African swine fever (ASF) virus outbreak.

“We hope that the authorities will control pork product imports from China and other affected countries.

“We must have strict control over what is allowed into our country.

“Any negative incident will create a bad chain reaction, affecting the livelihood of many if not handled properly,” he said, adding that the entire industry could also collapse even though the problem did not originate from products here.

Yue Sang Loong Sdn Bhd, which has been importing and supplying a variety of lap mei, dried seafood, Chinese medicine and foodstuff for generations in Melaka, said that most imported lap mei on sale in Malaysia are from Hong Kong.

Its managing director Teng Sin How said that Hong Kong had popularised lap mei.

“The grandmasters only work six months a year, specifically to produce these festive items, offered only once a year to the world,” he said, adding that popular producers there only used top of the range ingredients with a stringent selection process.

Teng said Malaysian businesses that bring in lap mei are generally confident of continuing the practice, as Hong Kong lap mei is still the preferred choice among patrons for its taste, aroma, texture and presentation.

“The producers are big household names with a good reputation for decades. They won’t risk using questionable raw materials that could possibly damage their branding and business.

“Further, lap mei is not raw meat. They are processed and cured. More cooking is needed before they are served.

“I’d say it is safe to eat lap mei this festive period,” he said.

According to World Organisation for Animal Health, ASF is the most devastating swine disease.

It causes fever, haemorrhaging in the animal’s skin and internal organs and death in two to 10 days, with mortality rate as high as 100%.

There is no vaccine. It is not harmful to humans.

AFS is transmitted by ticks and direct contact between animals. It can also spread via contaminated food, animal feed, and people.