PETALING JAYA: Inter-state transportation of live pigs is the reason behind the animals being infected with African swine fever (ASF) in several states.

Two ASF cases were detected in Pontian, Johor, on April 20.

As of March 31, a total of 80 ASF cases were found in Melaka, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor.

“The ASF transmission chain is still not broken, hence monitoring and control measures are necessary,” said Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin.

In a statement issued after chairing a meeting with the task force to develop pig farming on Tuesday, Tan said pig farmers’ request to relax ASF control measures was noted.

However, he stressed that the supply of pork in the country was sufficient and stable. Consumers are able to opt for local or imported pork at reasonable prices.

The task force will be having meeting with state governments and stakeholders in the region to review the issues related to pig farming raised so far, he said.

“I hope the efforts put in by the ministry will be a new beginning for redeveloping the country’s pig farming industry and ensuring food security and stable food supply chain,” he said.