KUCHING: Pork in the market is safe to eat and there is enough for the upcoming Gawai festival, assured Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Since the closure of the abattoir in Krokop, Miri, the Miri Veterinary Services Department has received several complaints about the slaughter of pigs outside of the permitted premises.
Rundi in a statement on Wednesday (April 20) stated that the premises were monitored and sampled and the investigation revealed that the meats were obtained legally from authorised sources.
“Pursuant to Section 62, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, slaughter should be carried out on premises licensed by the State Veterinary Superintendent.
“Any party found in breach of the section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding one year or both,” he said.
He further said the department currently allows the movement of pork from Sibu, Samarahan and Kuching to meet demand in the Miri Division.
“Referring to the application of Miri City Council (MCC), we are also pleased to inform that the pig slaughterhouse in Krokop may be opened earlier if it has met the criteria that have been set and obtained approval from the Department of Veterinary Services,” he added.
