Chris Prestwood

​Why import Malaysian poultry?

This was just one of the many questions raised after Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Tommy Tomscoll, said the importation of these uncooked, frozen poultry products was allowed after a careful and comprehensive risk assessment process.

The Minister, in a paid advertisement, said the assessment started in 2006, “when the importer first requested market access for chicken meat from Malaysia”.

If that is so, then why is the Poultry Industry of PNG set against these frozen imports?

Warning for POM residents

These illegal items, believed to be from Malaysia, pose a significant disease threat to PNG’s poultry industry.

The Poultry Industry Association (PIA) of PNG raised the concern after discovering the uncooked, frozen poultry products in a Port Moresby shop last Monday.

“We believe there are other illegal imported products from South East Asia and we are actively looking for them as well,” PIA president, Chris Prestwood, told Loop PNG.

​PNG biosecurity breached: Association

Since last week, the Poultry Industry Association (PIA) of PNG and National Quarantine and Inspection Authority have been working with other relevant authorities to investigate the arrival of frozen poultry products from high risk countries.

These products from South East Asia can bring diseases that can wipe out the K900 million poultry industry in the country and contribute to widespread food shortage, PIA President, Chris Prestwood, revealed to Loop PNG today.