DEPUTY Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen today questioned Sarawak’s persistence in importing milk from places infected with foot and mouth disease (FMD) despite a ban.

In a media conference this afternoon, Chong showed two cartons of fresh milk bottled in Johor Baru and Selangor that are sold in Kuching.

Chong said continued importation of milk from infected places could “contaminate our livestock, jeopardise our status as an FMD free region and the state’s lucrative pig exports to Singapore”.

FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs, sheep and many wildlife species. FMD is a worldwide concern as it can spread quickly and cause significant economic losses.

While insular Sarawak is FMD-free, peninsular Malaysia is not.

The Stampin MP asked why the state Veterinary Department’s circular issued earlier in the year prohibiting the import of fresh milk from places where the infection has appeared was ignored.

He said the state government, especially the Sarawak Modernisation of Agriculture, Native land and Regional Development Minister Douglas Uggah, should look into the issue before it destroys the state’s livestock industry.

“Our livestock industry is at risk.” – May 16, 2019.