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Agriculture

Malaysia's Pig Farming Sector Struggles with African Swine Fever Aftermath

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Malaysian pig farming sector continues to grapple with the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has resulted in a significant decrease in livestock numbers and contributed to the surge in pork prices. In Penang, the number of pig farms has dropped by 25% following a major outbreak last year, with the chairman of the Penang Pig Farmers Association stating that the sector is still reeling from the losses. The ASF outbreak has forced farmers to reduce livestock numbers to prevent overcrowding, which could accelerate the spread of the virus, and has resulted in a shortage of pork supply, pushing prices higher.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of pig farms in Penang has dropped by 25% since last year's outbreak, with around 120 farms still operating compared to 160 previously.
  • The chairman of the Penang Pig Farmers Association estimates that it takes around a year to raise a pig from birth to slaughter, highlighting the significant losses incurred due to the ASF outbreak.
  • Only about 20 farms remain in Valdor, down from 40 before the outbreak, indicating a substantial decline in the pig population in the area.
  • The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has confirmed that thousands of pigs were culled in Selangor and Melaka, resulting in a drop in pork supply and pushing prices higher.
  • The price of a whole local pig has increased to around RM1,800 per 100kg, up from RM1,300 to RM1,400 per 100kg a year ago.
  • Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik estimates that the pig population in his constituency has fallen drastically, from around 90,000 to between 20,000 and 30,000.
  • Rising feed costs, with the price of maize spiking from RM800 per tonne to as much as RM2,000 at its peak, are putting further pressure on the industry.

Statistics:

  • The number of pig farms in Penang has decreased by 25% since last year's outbreak.
  • The chairman of the Penang Pig Farmers Association estimates that it takes around 1 year to raise a pig from birth to slaughter.
  • Only 20 farms remain in Valdor, down from 40 before the outbreak.
  • Thousands of pigs were culled in Selangor and Melaka, resulting in a drop in pork supply.
  • The price of a whole local pig has increased to RM1,800 per 100kg.
  • The pig population in Bukit Tambun has fallen from around 90,000 to between 20,000 and 30,000.
  • The price of maize has spiked from RM800 per tonne to as much as RM2,000 at its peak.

Sources:

  • The Star, May 14
  • Malay Mail
  • Department of Veterinary Services, 2023

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