Alert Issued on Unauthorized Dairy Items for Public Awareness
In a recent development, concerns have been raised about a suspicious goat milk product that has been making its way into the markets of Kuching, Sibu, and Sarikei since last September. The product, which is sold at RM8 per bottle but can be purchased for RM6 per bottle in large quantities, is believed to have been brought in from Peninsular Malaysia.
Dr Jenek, a local official, took action after a meeting with farmers last October, warning an organic shop in Kuching not to sell the product, which they claim is misleading. The farmers argue that the product, labeled as 'fresh', contains 'Recombined Goat Milk', and suggests a two-year expiry date, which is implausible for fresh or organic milk.
The Veterinary Division, with the power to confiscate illegal products and issue compounds to operators, has the responsibility to address this issue. Compounds range from RM100 to RM10,000. The division has not yet taken action against the sale of 'fresh' goat's milk from a farm in Kedah, a concern shared by two local goat breeders.
The goat milk industry in Sarawak is still in its infant stage, with about 10 farms across the state. Given the geographic isolation of Sarawak and the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in some parts of Peninsular Malaysia, the state has stringent biosecurity measures in place to prevent the spread of FMD.
Import of raw products such as milk and livestock is only allowed from countries declared free from FMD. Sarawak and Sabah were declared free of FMD in 1994. However, the goat milk from the peninsula is most likely smuggled in because the Veterinary Division did not issue permits for the import of milk products from the peninsula.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Health can investigate the label and examine the contents of the goat milk, respectively. The Veterinary Division head, Dr Humrawali Hazid Ahmad Khan, advised consumers to be careful of the source of fresh milk products sold in the state, particularly imported products.
It is generally not legal to import raw milk products from Peninsular Malaysia to Sarawak given the current concerns around FMD and warnings about smuggled and uncertified milk products. The public is advised to be cautious of a suspected smuggled and uncertified milk product labeled as 'fresh' or 'organic' in Sarawak.
For any concerns or reports, the State Veterinary Division can be contacted at Jalan Semongok and 082-628250. Dr Jenek has suggested that the farmers report the case to the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Health for investigation. The Veterinary Division will take stern action against those who violate the laws related to the import and sale of uncertified milk products.
[1] Legal importation of dairy products into Sarawak requires compliance with state and federal health regulations and certifications.
- The vague label of a suspicious goat milk product, labeled as 'fresh,' has raised concerns about its authenticity, especially considering it may contain 'Recombined Goat Milk.'
- The health and wellness sector, including the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary Division, should collaborate to investigate the true contents of this milk product, ensuring the safety of general-news consumers.
- The fitness-and-exercise community in Sarawak, as well as those focusing on nutrition, ought to be aware of the possible dangers associated with consuming uncertified milk products that may negatively impact food-and-drink choices and overall lifestyle.
- The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives, in addition to the Veterinary Division, should penalize those who violate import laws and endanger public health by illegally bringing in uncertified milk products, which could exacerbate the current crime-and-justice issues surrounding smuggled goods in the region.
