Modern Livestock Systems Capable Of Boosting National Self-sufficiency Rate - Mohamad Sabu

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Modern livestock systems that  focus on high biosecurity aspects are capable of controlling the spread of the African Swine Flu (ASF) effectively, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said today.

This was in line with the National Agro-food Policy 2.0 that emphasised the use of modern technology as part of the transformation of the national livestock sector.

“In the long run, ASF is expected to be the major obstacle in boosting domestic production and affecting the national self-sufficiency rate (SSR) for pork.

“As such, transition to modern pig farming systems is an accurate strategic step to ensure the rise in SSR,” he said during a special chambers session at the Dewan Rakyat today, in response to a question by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) regarding the national development plan to ensure that the SSR can be achieved and the need to strengthen research and development (R&D) efforts to curb the spread of ASF.

He stressed that his ministry, through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), has implemented R&D initiatives focused on detection and understanding the ASF virus, including conducting a thorough study on the ASF virus genes using Whole Genome Sequencing.

The technology would enable complete identification of information regarding the virus, including infection rates, genetic changes and help in identifying the cause of infections more effectively, he added.

Mohamad also revealed that there were 15 licensed abattiors for pigs in Peninsular Malaysia, centred in Penang, Johor, Perak, Selangor and Pahang, based on official data of private operation licence holders.

He said the DVS would consider adding the number of pig abattiors if applicants submitted complete applications and fulfilled industry needs.

-- BERNAMA