According to The Star Online, Perak veterinary services director Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam told the Kinta District Pork Sellers and Butchers Association not to twist facts on the issue as Perak had adequate supply to meet the needs of the local market.

Association chairman Kew Mook Choy recently warned that the price of pork in Ipoh would escalate if the ban was not lifted.

Dr Quaza clarified that the ban was imposed (effective on 25 October) because the pigs in Penang were allegedly infected with the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

“Perak, however, is FMD free and we want to keep it that way for the sake of the public and the pork industry,” he said.

He added that Perak had more than enough supply to meet the local demand.

“Furthermore, only about 300 pigs were moved from Penang to Perak each week prior to the ban.

“That only accounted for between nine per cent to 10 per cent of the required local supply,” he said.

Perak Livestock Farmers Association chairman, Tung Hong Chai, agreed, saying that association members had 470,000 head of pigs.

“We also have more than enough to cater to the Klang Valley market,” he said.

Mr Tung assured consumers that the price of pork would not be increased at this time.

“Our ex-farm price will be maintained at RM7.90 per kg.

“We have promised to maintain the price until the end of the year,” he added.

Mr Tung said butchers preferred to source pigs from Penang because they are cheaper by between 10 and 20 ringitt (MYR) per 100kg.

“We abide by the veterinary department’s discretion to impose the ban, as FMD is highly infectious,” he said.