KUDAT: The Sabah Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry through the Veterinary Department will tighten controls around the district to curb the smuggling of animals that are at risk of bringing exotic diseases to the State.
Its Assistant Minister I Datuk James Ratib said strict enforcement is very important to curb the smuggling of animals from neighbouring countries to avoid the risk of infectious diseases such as the foot and mouth (FMD) disease.
“Controls at border posts, especially in Pulau Banggi, will be further enhanced by the Veterinary Department. We are concerned that the smuggling of animals from neighbouring countries will put livestock in the State at risk with exotic diseases,” he said during a working visit to Banggi Island.