BAU: The carcasses of 20 pigs dumped at a rubber farm road along Jalan Semadang-Jambusan, about 5km from town were removed on Friday.
It was done by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS Sarawak) with the assistance of Bau District Council.
DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said 20 heads of dead pigs suspected from a farm in Bau had been thrown there.
“Those pigs are suspected to have died from African Swine Fever (ASF),” he told New Sarawak Tribune today.
“Investigation is underway,” he said, adding that stern action will be taken against the culprits including charging them in court.
Adrian said the culprits could be charged under Section 29 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 for disposal of animals and can be fined up to RM2,000 and under Section 32 of the same ordinance which carries a fine of up to RM1,000 for disposal of dead animals.
“If the farm operates without a licence, the owner can be charged and fined up to RM5,000 and the court can also order the closure of the farm under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Adrian assured that the department’s enforcement team will strengthen surveillance of all pig farms in Sarawak and work closely with pig farm operators to ensure the ASF situation in the state is under control.
He however assured that pork sold in the market is safe for human consumption as supplies are from disease-free farms.
“Pork prices in the market have increased due to a reduction in the pig population,” he said.
In August this year residents of Taman Kota Sentosa also discovered several sacks of pig carcasses that had been thrown into Sungai Semenggo2.
