BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang government will implement the minimum rate payment charges for the Veterinary Health Certificate (SKV) and entry/exit transfer permits for all types of animals effective April 1.
State Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman, Dr Afif Bahardin said the implementation of the minimum rate payments was aimed at giving equal economic impact to both small and commercial farmers.
‘’The Penang government had agreed to implement charges for SKV and transfer permits from April 1. We look at the current situation in order to be more fair especially among the small farmers who are paying the same prices with the commercial farmers,’’ he told a media conference, here today.
He said the minimum rate payments of between RM4 to RM35 per animal/consignment would be imposed depending on the types of animals including cat, dog, horse, cow/buffalo, goat/sheep/deer, pig, commercial bird, animal products, horse/camel, other animals and animal products and carcases.
According to Dr Afif, farmers found without entry/exit transfer permits and SKV certificates would have action taken against them under Section 36 of the Animals Act 1953 (Amendment 2006).
Meanwhile, Dr Afif, who is also Seberang Jaya State Assemblyman, said the Pig Licensing (Penang) Regulations 2020 under the Penang Pig Farming Enactment 2016 would be implemented on March 1 to control the activity of pig rearing especially from the aspect of cleanliness and health.
‘’The enactment, among others, outlined that every pig farmer must upgrade to a closed pig sty system, practice zero sewage system, buffer zone and good farming practice,’’ he said. - Bernama
