Pet Food Supply In Malaysia Stable Despite Thai-Cambodia Tensions
By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The ongoing tension between Thailand and Cambodia is unlikely to disrupt the supply of tuna-based pet food in Malaysia for now, although some industry players have raised concerns over rising costs and potential logistical challenges if the situation escalates.
Stanley Saw, managing director of ABCO Asia Sdn Bhd, a pet food importer and distributor of tuna products from Thailand and Japan, said the current skirmishes between the two neighbouring countries are unlikely to affect tuna supply chains, as the main fishing and farming activities are centred in the South China Sea.
"This is an isolated case, and this crisis will not help either side. Thailand has stronger control over its domain, and we do not foresee any immediate disruption," he told Bernama.
The latest border dispute escalation between Thailand and Cambodia has raised concerns about a shortage of global canned tuna, given Thailand's dominant position in this market.
However, Saw acknowledged that global conflicts are creating an environment of uncertainty.
"Inflation and price increases are unavoidable, and businesses must adapt.
"We need to work with reliable partners and not just hope for things to get better,' he said, adding that maintaining consumer trust through quality and branding is essential in turbulent times.
Japanese pet food brand Ciao, Inaba Foods (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd's national sales manager Chun Wei Keong said the company's Thai factory in Saraburi is not affected by the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, as it is located over 100km from Bangkok, and about 500km from the border near the disputed Preah Vihear Temple area.
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