"There's no need for new laws to prosecute errant pig farmers. If they feed pigs with beta-agonist, a banned growth enhancer, the court will decide on the penalty under the Penal Code," he added.

Abdul Aziz said state governments can also use their state enactment to punish the culprits, including closing down their farms.

He said VSD enforcement teams are still conducting checks and collecting samplings on pig farms in the country. "If they are found using beta-agonist, the farms will be quarantined."

"Farms found free from the use of beta-agonist, we will continue to conduct tests. We will not tell them that they are clear," he added.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong said it was now mandatory for pig farmers to sign the "Aku Janji" oath for renewal of farming licence.

"This will enable us to take legal action when they break the oath," said Mah.

Meanwhile, Federation of Livestock Farmers' Associations of Malaysia pig unit chairman Tung Hong Chai said: "We support the government's oath signing requirement for pig farming licence.

Source: Sun2Surf