Malaysia-Poultry imports.

MALAYSIA-POULTRY IMPORTS.

The Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) have urged importers to refrain from lobbying against a ban on chicken meat imports from China.

FLFAM broiler unit chairman Kwei Yew Tong said they are fully behind the temporary ban imposed by the Department of Veterinary Services in view of three deaths due to bird flu in the sprawling republic in a span of three weeks.

Kwei agreed with the department that the suspension of imports would ensure that Malaysia does not unknowingly import the disease from China.

"Malaysia has been free from the disease since Sept 2007 and the country intends to keep the disease-free status for the sake of the people," he said.

Kwei pointed out that domestic production of chicken meat averages at around 338,000 tonnes annually, which he said is sufficient to cater to the demand from meat processors.

Comparatively, meat processors imported some 16,000 tonnes of chicken meat last year, accounting for less than five per cent of local production.