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

The import of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor has been regulated since July 2025, according to Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin. This move was aimed at stabilising market supply and prices by controlling disruptions in the pig farming industry caused by African Swine Fever. Chan expressed regret that allegations about the matter were made without examining the facts, and accused some individuals of linking it to the Sultan of Selangor's royal decree to create controversy based on inaccurate information.

The policy was announced by Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in July 2025 at Pending Port during an official loading ceremony. Later, clarification was provided by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Izham Hashim also explained that the state government issued import licences for live pigs from Sarawak, subject to strict conditions and control procedures. The animals are transported directly to a slaughterhouse in Rawang without stopping at any other location. Strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been established to ensure controlled and orderly handling at Port Klang, with unloading activities restricted between 8 pm and 5 am.

Animals are unloaded using specialised cages before being transferred to lorries for delivery. Chan visited a modern pig farm in Simunjan, Sarawak, in April to observe its export operations to Sarang, noting stringent biosecurity measures and controlled transportation. He emphasized that the operation should be discussed professionally and based on facts, discouraging unwarranted public concern.