THE Terengganu Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) seized a total of 9,120kg of pig carcasses, involving 228 pig carcass cuts and 29 boxes of pig organs estimated at RM246,240, which were not slaughtered at a licenced abattoir in Bandar Permaisuri, Setiu, on Thursday, its director Dr Anun Man said.

“The seizure was made in accordance with rule 5 (3) of the animals (control of slaughter) rules 2009, under which no one can sell, display or possess any carcass of any animal which was not slaughtered in approved abattoirs,” she said, at a press conference in Kuala Terengganu today.

“According to the two individuals who were arrested – the lorry driver and his assistant – the meat was processed in the DVS abattoir, but the comparison of the stamps did not match.”

She said the meat that was believed to be sent to Kuantan, Pahang, and was brought in from Thailand, based on the sticker.

She said that DVS viewed seriously the smuggling of any animal carcasses due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever.

“It is true that the disease has already hit Malaysia and it can cause losses to the pig industry. In Terengganu, the cases have only involved wild boar,” she said.

Dr Anun said the seized items, the first case in Terengganu, and the sixth under the control of slaughter this year, will be disposed of tomorrow after obtaining permission from the court yesterday. – Bernama, November 14, 2023.