The Malaysian government says it has taken steps to keep pork prices from rising during the Chinese New Year festivities, according to The Star, a national newspaper.
Datuk Dr. Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin, director-general of the country's veterinary services department, said farmers will be allowed to sell directly to consumers and that the government has raised import limits on chilled swine carcasses, cuts and suckling piglets through February 28. This liberalization of imports is in addition to the department's announcement earlier this week that 10 types of pork-based products could be imported during the Chinese New Year season.
The government also plans to implement price controls on lean pork, pork belly, and lean and fat meat, Aziz said. The Star reported that Malaysians will purchase the equivalent of 7,000 live pigs each day in the month or so surrounding the Chinese New Year.
