Malaysians switch to cheaper alternatives as pork prices hit 2-year high due to African swine fever
African Swine Fever is the primary bane of the pig-rearing industry and the leading cause behind the sky-rocketing prices of pork in the markets in Malaysia. PHOTO: ST FILE
GEORGETOWN - With pork prices skyrocketing to their highest in two years, more people are turning to eating fish or chicken and even mutton and beef.
Housewife Allyssa Lim, 48, wants to ensure her family has a meat dish for dinner every day, as pork used to be a staple in their meals.
'Now that pork costs so much, we either eat less of it or opt for fish instead,' she said.
'Fish is not only fresh but also a healthier option.'
Restaurant owner Jacob Quah, 38, said pork has now become a premium item on his menu as customers are choosing more budget-friendly alternatives like chicken and fish.
'I have to maintain a commitment to my local pork supplier, but with the rising costs, I have no choice but to raise the prices of my pork dishes.
'To offer more affordable options, we've expanded our menu to include more fish and chicken dishes, as well as mutton and beef choices that customers have responded to positively,' he said.
Mr Pang, a butcher in Jalan Burma, said many in the trade have increased their stock of imported pork.
'Imported pork, such as that from Spain, is about RM30 (S$9.05) per kg, while local pork now goes for around RM40 per kg.
'About 60 per cent of our stock is now imported, and most of it is supplied to restaurants. Some customers have also turned away from pork altogether,' the 55-year-old said during a recent meeting
'They have chosen alternatives like beef, mutton, chicken or fish, which generally have more stable prices.'
Checks at several markets found that popular cuts, such as pork belly, spare ribs and lean meat from local suppliers, are now priced between RM36 and RM46 per kg.
The same parts from imported sources are priced between RM33 and RM39 per kg.
Another butcher, Ms Fiona Ng, 32, also increased her stock of imported pork.
'In the past, imported pork was less preferred because customers valued the freshness of the local variety. But the price of local pork has increased three times since the beginning of this year.
'Currently, a whole pig from local farms is priced at RM1,780 per 100kg, compared to RM1,600 per 100kg just in 2024,' she said, adding that the steep increase has cost them about 20 per cent of their customers.'
According to farmers, African Swine Fever is the primary bane of the pig-rearing industry and the leading cause behind the sky-rocketing prices of pork in the market.
A 2023 outbreak had caused the number of farms in Penang to shrink by 25 per cent as farmers were forced to cull infected livestock, said Penang Pig Farmers Association chairman Wong Fu Sheng.
'There used to be about 160 farms, but now there are only about 120 still in operation,' said Mr Wong.
'To avoid over-crowding of pigs that could heighten the spread of the virus during an outbreak, the remaining farms are also rearing fewer animals.'
Besides Penang, thousands of pigs had to be culled in Selangor and Malacca due to the ASF outbreak, said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, which caused supplies of pork to drop and prices to rise. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
MOM investigating alleged misuse of work passes meant for foreign students and trainees
MOM said some of the probes surrounding breaches of the pass requirements have already been completed with more to come. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – Investigations are underway into what a support group for migrant workers brands a 'job scam' centred on misuse of work passes. Training Employment Passes give foreign students and intra-corporate trainees the right to work here for three months, but they have allegedly been used to employ foreign workers in lower-skilled roles that are not allowed under the pass. Some of the probes surrounding breaches of the pass requirements have already been completed with more to come, noted the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on June 6. It did not disclose how many reports it had received. The pass allows foreign students or trainees from a company's overseas office or subsidiary to undergo practical training for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs here for up to three months. Trainees must earn a minimum fixed salary of $3,000 a month. The work attachment f or student applicants must be tied to their studies. T hey must either be studying in an 'acceptable institution' or earning at least $3,000 a month. The investigation comes after 13 TEP holders sought help in recent months from advocacy group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2). They were hired by employers to take up various roles with a lower skill level than the pass appears to allow. Five of the 13 were put to work in a food and beverage establishment, five in a warehouse, two in cleaning companies while one ended up in a 'tour coach agency',TWC2 said on its website last month. The 13 people had turned to TWC2 over a period of about five months starting in December 2024. 'We have never before seen so many workers on this kind of work pass in such a short time,' TWC2 said. The group added that nearly all the 13 complained about salary irregularities, including being paid below the $3,000 stated minimum, though at least one found long working hours to be the biggest problem. 'However, when we found out more about the circumstances which led to their working in Singapore, we could see the contours of a rapidly widening job scam,' TWC2 noted. The workers had been designated as 'management executives' despite performing menial tasks such as washing dishes, it added. They were often not sent to the MOM to have their TEP issued until nearly 30 days after arrival, effectively meaning they worked an additional fourth month without a pass being issued. TWC2 executive director Ethan Guo told The Straits Times that a common feature was that most of the workers were coming to work for the first time in Singapore and had arrived relatively recently. 'This showed that these were young, impressionable and vulnerable foreigners with little or no knowledge of employment laws in Singapore,' Mr Guo noted. He added that the group could not confirm if there has been a sudden uptick in the number of TEP holders reporting salary irregularities. 'What has happened of late was a concerted effort by TWC2 to educate migrant workers on the correct payment of their salaries, and this could have resulted in more workers with such problems coming forward to seek help from us,' he said. They may have been many more victims in the past who did not realise they have been scammed, or did not have an avenue for assistance. Mr Guo said TWC2's concern lies with workers who have been misled into jobs they paid huge sums to agents for and then put into 'legal jeopardy once they agree'. He noted that the attempts to dodge the TEP requirements may have arisen as a work-around for industries 'desperate for cheap foreign labour'. 'A more holistic response would be a review of work permit quotas for these industry sectors like logistics, cleaning and food and beverage.' However, Mr Guo added that TWC2 is not advocating a massive liberalisation in foreign workforce policy, as making cheap labour too easily available could blunt the incentive for employers to pursue automation and productivity improvements. The MOM also said it performs additional checks and audits on selected TEP applications, such as requesting proof of training programmes and foreign offices or subsidiaries. It noted that it will take action against errant employers, including suspending their work pass privileges, imposing financial penalties or even prosecution. The ministry also encouraged affected workers to reach out for assistance. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Growing Temasek: Lim Boon Heng's contributions as chairman over the years
Mr Lim Boon Heng, who was appointed chairman in 2013, will step down from his role in October. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng oversaw key changes during his tenure, including a board renewal, leadership transition and the development of the state investor's long-term strategy. Mr Lim, who was appointed chairman in 2013, will step down from his role in October. He will be succeeded by former senior minister Teo Chee Hean, who will first join Temasek's board as deputy chairman on July 1, before taking the helm in October. Here is what Temasek achieved during Mr Lim's tenure: Growth as an international investor Temasek established itself as a global investor, with its net portfolio value rising from $223 billion in March 2014 to $389 billion in March 2024. Singapore's investment company also grew its footprint across Europe and the US, which now hosts six of its 13 international offices. It expanded its global advisory network, supplementing its Temasek International Panel with three regional panels – the Temasek European Advisory Panel and the Temasek Americas Advisory Panel in 2016, as well as the the Temasek South-east Asia Advisory Panel in 2023. Mr Lim, a former minister in the Prime Minister's Office and secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress from 1993 to 2006 , oversaw the Temasek board's renewal process, including increasing its international representation. He also oversaw Temasek's leadership transition in 2021, when Ms Ho Ching stepped down as executive director and chief executive. Shaped Temasek's purpose, charter and T2030 Strategy Under Mr Lim's leadership, Temasek launched its 'T2030' strategy in 2019 to build a resilient and forward-looking portfolio, and refreshed its Charter in 2024 to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable long-term returns. Mr Lim also articulated Temasek's Purpose statement – So Every Generation Prospers – in 2021, strengthening the company's organisational alignment and direction. Recognised for high standards of corporate governance and sustainability Temasek was ranked first in Global Sovereign Wealth Fund's governance, sustainability and sesilience scoreboard in both 2023 and 2024. Temasek expanded its sustainability initiatives during his tenure, including the annual Ecosperity conference which has been held since 2014, and has actively engaged its portfolio companies through forums such as the Temasek Roundtable. Built resilience in the workforce and communities Mr Lim launched the Temasek Tripartite Conversations to tackle issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and green jobs, and marked Temasek's 50th anniversary in 2024 with a $150 million fund to support skills training and talent development in Singapore. Temasek executive director and chief executive Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara said on June 6 that the company has strengthened its position as a globally recognised investment company under Mr Lim's leadership. 'His championing of the Temasek Tripartite Conversations has been particularly meaningful –these dialogues have built important bridges between Temasek, our portfolio companies, and union representatives, creating a culture of trust and collaboration that fortifies the ecosystem with greater resilience,' he said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Temasek – together with its portfolio companies, Temasek Foundation and partners – led response efforts that included distributing essential supplies and medical equipment. Mr Lim said he has been privileged to work with a capable and dedicated team 'unified by a strong sense of purpose and commitment to excellence'. 'I am always inspired by my colleagues' collective conviction that, like generations before us, we must always act today with tomorrow clearly in our minds,' he said. 'My deep gratitude goes to my fellow board members and the Temasek team as we continue to build resilience throughout Temasek, our portfolio companies, and our ecosystem. Together, we can navigate uncertainties and emerge stronger.' Temasek, alongside sovereign wealth fund GIC and central bank the Monetary Authority of Singapore, is a significant contributor to Net Investment Returns Contribution, which is used for government spending. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean to be next Temasek chairman, taking over from Lim Boon Heng
Mr Teo Chee Hean will first join Temasek's board as deputy chairman on July 1. PHOTO: ST FILE Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean to be next Temasek chairman, taking over from Lim Boon Heng SINGAPORE - Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean will be the new chairman for state investor Temasek Holdings, succeeding Mr Lim Boon Heng who will be stepping down on Oct 9, 2025. Mr Teo will first join Temasek's board as deputy chairman on July 1, before taking the helm in October. Mr Lim has served as the chairman for 12 years, notably guiding Temasek's global expansion and supporting the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, among other efforts such as in corporate governance and sustainability. In a separate statement, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said: 'I thank Mr Lim for his dedicated service at Temasek - under his stewardship, Temasek has expanded its global presence, strengthened its governance processes, and established itself as a leader in sustainable development. 'I also welcome Mr Teo as the incoming chairman. With his extensive experience in public service and deep understanding of Singapore's strategic priorities, I am confident he will build on Temasek's strong foundations, and steer its continued success in an increasingly complex global environment,' added Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister. Temasek executive director and chief executive Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara said on June 6 that Mr Teo has had a 'remarkable' public service career across multiple domains. 'I'm pleased to welcome Mr Teo Chee Hean as our fifth chairman... We are privileged that Temasek can benefit from his perspectives and extensive experiences, and we look forward to his stewardship as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead,' he said. Mr Teo, a key figure in Singapore's third-generation leadership, served as deputy prime minister from 2009 to 2019 and as Coordinating Minister for National Security from 2011. He was appointed Senior Minister in 2019. He began his career in the navy in 1972 and rose to become chief of navy before leaving the armed forces in 1992 to enter politics. His first Cabinet role was as minister of state for finance and communications. He later held ministerial portfolios in home affairs, defence, education and environment. Temasek also announced on June 6 that Mr Cheng Wai Keung, Mr Stephen Lee and Mr Bobby Chin will be retiring from the board in the coming months. Mr Cheng, who is deputy chairman, and Mr Lee, a director, will step down on June 30 after nearly 14 years and eight years of service respectively. Mr Chin, also a director, will retire on July 31 after serving for 11 years. Temasek has a net portfolio value of $389 billion as of March 21, 2024. It is a significant contributor to Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC), alongside sovereign wealth fund GIC and central bank Monetary Authority of Singapore, which is used for Government spending. Mr Teo noted that in an 'era of deepening global uncertainty', Temasek must remain clear minded on critical matters such as international relations, security and climate change. 'As a key Singapore institution with a global investment footprint, Temasek understands that its long-term success requires both addressing today's risks and opportunities and anticipating tomorrow's trends,' he said. 'I look forward to working with Temasek's Board, management team and members of the wider Temasek family to build on the achievements of Temasek and chart a path for its continued success in the new global environment.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
