Calls grow for Sabah to widen pork imports beyond Denmark and France as prices climb to RM18 per kg

Pork prices in Sabah have recently risen to RM18 per kg, prompting calls for wider import sources and stronger efforts to reduce food costs in the State. Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin has highlighted that the current limited sources of imported pork, with Sabah only allowing imports from Denmark and France, contribute to the price increase.

He noted that the Federal Government has approved frozen pork imports from 11 countries, including Australia, the United States, Brazil, Thailand, Canada, Belgium, Ireland, and Spain, but emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak have the authority to decide whether such imports are allowed into their respective states. Chan also mentioned that the geographical distance of Sabah from Europe could be a factor in higher prices, as imported pork may have to pass through Singapore before reaching the State.

He called for diversification of import sources to address pricing and supply concerns, urging the State Government to explore ways to bring down the cost of living, particularly food prices, which are higher in Sabah than in other parts of Malaysia.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.