MIRI – Sarawak’s ban on the import of livestock from Kalimantan is here to stay despite tomorrow’s Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations due to the worsening foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Indonesian region.
State Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom said the outbreak has gotten worse in Kalimantan, especially in the western regions.
He added in a statement that the state Veterinary Department has been instructed to beef up control checks along the borders since the ban was imposed on June 16.
However, he assured that the state only needs about 2,000 heads of cattle for the celebrations and supply is sufficient.
Also, Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Miri and Limbang districts were declared as FMD controlled areas following the outbreak.
Last week, more than 600 FMD cases were reported in the state. – The Vibes, July 9, 2022
