Latest news with #AnimalsAct1953
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
African swine fever hits Penang pig farms, 50 deaths confirmed
TASEK GELUGOR: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPVPP) has confirmed that three pig farms in Kampung Selamat have been affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) based on laboratory results from the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory. Its director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, said that two of the three affected farms exhibited a high mortality rate among the livestock, raising concerns about the possible spread of the disease to neighbouring farms. 'Our team has been on the ground at the pig farms in Kampung Selamat since yesterday to conduct checks, as well as implement control and close monitoring measures to ensure the ASF outbreak can be contained swiftly and effectively. 'So far, two of the farms have reported the deaths of 50 pigs, with many more showing ASF symptoms. There are 63 pig farms involving approximately 120,000 pigs in the Kampung Selamat area,' she said in a statement today. As a disease control measure, she said the JPVPP has issued a Notice of Restriction and Prohibition of Animal Movement under Section 18 of the Animals Act 1953 (Act 647) to the infected farms and imposed movement restrictions on pigs to only designated abattoirs to prevent the risk of disease spreading to other areas or districts. Dr Saira Banu said the department is sampling pigs showing clinical signs at nearby farms for early detection, enhancing biosecurity monitoring, and advising all farmers to report any unusual livestock deaths promptly. She said that ASF is not contagious to humans, but it significantly impacts the pig farming industry, especially in terms of animal movement restrictions and economic losses for farmers. 'JPVPP advises all pig farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, including preventing outsiders or unsanitised vehicles into their premises. 'In addition, any sudden deaths or signs of disease among pigs should be immediately reported to JPVPP,' she also said. She added that any further information or inquiries can be directed to the Seberang Perai Utara District Veterinary Services Office or directly to JPVPP.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
African swine fever confirmed at three Penang pig farms, 50 deaths reported
TASEK GELUGOR: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPVPP) has confirmed that three pig farms in Kampung Selamat have been affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), based on laboratory results from the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory. Its director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, said that two of the three affected farms have exhibited a high mortality rate among the livestock, raising concerns about the possible spread of the disease to neighbouring farms. "Our team has been on the ground at the pig farms in Kampung Selamat since Friday (July 11) to conduct checks, as well as implement control and close monitoring measures to ensure the ASF outbreak can be contained swiftly and effectively. "So far, two of the farms have reported the deaths of 50 pigs, with many more showing ASF symptoms. There are 63 pig farms involving approximately 120,000 pigs in the Kampung Selamat area," she said in a statement on Saturday (July 12). As a disease control measure, she noted that the JPVPP has issued a Notice of Restriction and Prohibition of Animal Movement under Section 18 of the Animals Act 1953 (Act 647) to the infected farms and imposed movement restrictions on pigs to only designated abattoirs to prevent the risk of disease spreading to other areas or districts. Dr Saira Banu stated that the department is sampling pigs showing clinical signs at nearby farms for early detection, enhancing biosecurity monitoring, and advising all farmers to report any unusual livestock deaths promptly. She mentioned that ASF is not contagious to humans, but it significantly impacts the pig farming industry, especially in terms of animal movement restrictions and economic losses for farmers. "JPVPP advises all pig farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, including preventing outsiders or unsanitised vehicles into their premises. "In addition, any sudden deaths or signs of disease among pigs should be immediately reported to JPVPP," she also said. She added that any further information or inquiries can be directed to the Seberang Perai Utara District Veterinary Services Office or directly to JPVPP. – Bernama
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
ASF outbreak hits three pig farms in Kampung Selamat, Penang
TASEK GELUGOR: An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected at three pig farms in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor. Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said laboratory tests conducted by the northern zone veterinary laboratory confirmed the presence of the disease at the affected farms. She said two of the three farms recorded high mortality rates, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus to nearby farms. "Authorities have since stepped up containment and monitoring efforts to curb further transmission. "As part of our control measures, movement restriction notices under Section 18 of the Animals Act 1953 have been issued to the affected farms. "The movement of pigs has also been restricted to designated slaughterhouses to minimise the risk of spreading the disease to other districts. "Sampling is ongoing at surrounding farms where pigs are showing clinical signs, and biosecurity monitoring has been intensified," she said this evening. Dr Saira Banu reminded all pig farmers to report any unusual livestock deaths immediately and to improve on-farm biosecurity. While ASF does not infect humans, it poses a serious threat to the swine industry, particularly through livestock movement restrictions and financial losses. Kampung Selamat is home to 63 pig farms with an estimated population of 120,000 pigs. Dr Saira Banu urged farmers to prohibit the entry of outsiders and unsanitised vehicles, and to maintain strict hygiene protocols at all times. For further information, farmers may contact the Seberang Perai Utara district veterinary office or the state department.
The Star
08-07-2025
- The Star
Penang Hill probe underway
Morbid discovery: Birds were among the animals found dead on Penang Hill. — Courtesy of Penang Hill Corporation Decomposed animals are believed to have been poisoned GEORGE TOWN: The carcasses of eight dogs, three cats and five birds were found along the Penang Hill jeep track in a decayed condition and emitted a strong stench, said Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng. Some appeared to have defecated, a sign of possible poisoning. 'We believe the animals were poisoned through food traps placed along the jeep track,' he said, adding that the Penang Veterinary Services Department is investigating the matter. On Sunday, The Star reported that several animals including dogs and cats were found dead – believed to be poisoned on Penang Hill. Penang Veterinary Services Department director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the officers would try to get samples of food eaten by the animals and check CCTV cameras in the area. She said the case is being probed under Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, adding that those found guilty can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to three years, or fined and jailed. Meanwhile, Penang Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society chairman Datuk Mohamad Anil Shah Abdullah described the act of killing animals as cruel and inhumane. 'Regardless of whether the animals were strays or owned pets, the law protects all animals in Malaysia. 'If the public is unhappy with the presence or movement of animals, especially strays, they should report the matter to the Veterinary Services Department or the local council, which are authorised to take appropriate and humane action,' he said. He said that in relation to the Penang Hill case, it appeared the animals might have been poisoned. Malaysia, he added, has legal provisions to protect animals, including the Animals Act 1953, the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 428 of the Penal Code. He said if action is needed, it must be taken by the proper authorities through legal and humane means. He emphasised that even pet owners aren't allowed to simply dispose of or kill their animals, adding that neglect or abandonment can pose public health risks, including disease spread and environmental hazards if carcasses are not properly managed. He added that owners must take full responsibility for their animals and ensure they are cared for, or handed over to the proper authorities if they can no longer manage them. 'Taking matters into one's own hands through cruelty is both morally wrong and punishable by law,' he said.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes RM595,000 worth of pork carcasses and lorry in Kelantan
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 8,910kg of pork carcasses and a lorry, both valued at about RM595,000, in an operation here on June 19. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said a lorry driver and his assistant were also arrested for possessing the carcasses, which were believed to have been smuggled from Thailand. He said the GOF team from the Ninth Battalion stopped the suspected lorry as it passed through Kampung Bukit Tandak at about 4pm. "Upon inspecting the lorry, GOF personnel found 8,910kg of pork carcasses in the rear of the vehicle. "The driver failed to produce valid documentation for the goods, which are believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand," he said today. Ros Azhan said the 37-year-old driver and his 43-year-old assistant were believed to be delivering the meat to the local market. "The total seizure, including the lorry, is estimated to be worth about RM595,000 and has been handed over to the Kelantan Veterinary Department for further action," he added. The case is being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953. Separately, he said a 24-year-old man was arrested for selling ketum leaves and ketum juice at a house in Jalan Kedai Lama here today. "In the 10.30am raid, GOF personnel found 9kg of ketum leaves, 12 packets of ketum juice, and RM2,500 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal activity," he said. He added that the total seizure was estimated at RM3,220 and the case has been handed over to the Pasir Mas Narcotics Crime Investigation Division for further action. "The suspect also tested positive for Benzodiazepines. The case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he added.
