"If Ng Fung Hong doesn't maintain the supply of live pigs, and the government will not step in - within seven days - we'll call on our members to start an industrial action," said Man Cheuk-pui, executive committee member of the Fresh Meat Alliance, a union of live- pig buyers, slaughterhouse workers and truck drivers. "We'll take to the chief executive's office first and then Ng Fung Hong's office in Wan Chai. Our drivers will protest by slow driving."

Man said since early this month, the supply of live pigs has remained around 3,400 - 65 percent of the normal rate. He said the government's estimate of 85 percent was inaccurate.

Man urged the government to step in to stabilize the supply and price of fresh pork.

The shortage of live pigs from the mainland has caused Ng Fung Hong to raise wholesale prices, triggering calls for the government to introduce more live pig importers to ensure stability.

Source: The Standard