We thank Mr Cheng Shoong Tat for his feedback ("Lift ban on pork from Malaysia"; last Thursday).

In Singapore, the import of livestock, meat and meat products is regulated for animal health and food safety reasons.

Such products can be imported only from sources that meet the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority's (AVA) animal health and food safety standards and are approved for export to Singapore.

Currently, the AVA has approved 29 countries for export of pork and pork products to Singapore.

These include countries such as Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States.

Currently, the import of pigs or pork from West Malaysia has not been approved, as it is not free from foot and mouth disease (FMD).

FMD is a very contagious livestock disease that could have a significant impact on Singapore's role as a global trading hub.

However, East Malaysia is free of FMD.

In January, the AVA approved the import of frozen pork from Sarawak, East Malaysia, after a comprehensive assessment process.

The AVA will continue to explore and diversify our food sources to safeguard our food security.

Astrid Yeo (Dr)
Group Director
Regulatory Administration Group
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority