Malaysia’s pork industry under pressure from ASF

In Selangor, the crisis is even more severe. In February 2025, the state’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) revealed that pigs in nearly half the farms in Kuala Langat and Sepang had tested positive for ASF. A total of 76,000 pigs were infected across 56 of 114 farms.

Orders under Section 19 of the Animals Act 1953 were issued for the destruction of diseased animals, with further action expected for the remaining farms. By May 2025, around 30,000 market-ready pigs in Tanjung Sepat had been culled as part of the ASF containment measures.

Heavy losses for pig farmers

Pig farmers have been hit by multiple waves of losses. In early 2025, hundreds of sows died during outbreaks, disrupting breeding capacity. At the same time, tens of thousands of market-ready pigs, each weighing around 120kg, were culled, erasing months of production.

Producers across the value chain—from breeders to processors—have reported financial strain as costs rise and supply contracts. Retail prices have also reflected these pressures, affecting both businesses and consumers.

Industry sources told porciNews Asia in August 2025 that the pig farms of Tanjung Sepat, once a major hub in Selangor, are now ‘virtually gone’. Authorities are reportedly reluctant to renew farming licenses in the area, and while unconfirmed, speculation suggests the land could be earmarked for tourism development instead.

Government response and long-term targets

Despite the setbacks, the government has set a target to restore Malaysia’s pork SSR to 90% by 2030. Measures include easing the movement of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor for slaughter, expanding modern pig farming (MPF) systems, and establishing special pig farming areas (PFA) in key states.

Penang, Perak, Selangor, and Sabah have adopted MPF, while Sarawak and Negeri Sembilan use PFAs. Both approaches emphasize enclosed housing, sewage treatment, buffer zones, and stronger biosecurity standards to improve sustainability and disease control.

The DVS has also increased engagement with farmers, processors, and importers to align disease management strategies and stabilize supply.

A fragile industry at a crossroads

Despite these initiatives, the industry’s outlook remains fragile. The repeated outbreaks have slashed production, discouraged reinvestment, and raised questions about whether key farming regions will be allowed to continue operating.

Consumers face tighter supply and higher prices, while farmers grapple with uncertainty over their future. With Tanjung Sepat’s collapse highlighting the structural vulnerabilities of the sector, Malaysia’s reliance on pork imports could deepen unless ASF is brought under control.

Modernization efforts and stricter regulations can restore confidence—or whether disease and land-use changes will permanently reshape Malaysia’s pork industry—remains an open question.