SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoir has been directed to close for 60 days starting March 9 after pigs were found to be infected by African Swine Fever (ASF).

SMC chairman Clarence Ting said the temporary closure was to allow staff to clean and sanitise the whole premises.

“SMC is working with the Department of Veterinary Sarawak to comply with their requirements,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

He added that the council would take the necessary action so that the abattoir could reopen as soon as possible to reduce losses by farmers and butchers.

“However, SMC also needs to ensure the pork slaughtered at the abattoir is healthy and hygienic to consume,” he said.

Ting said the council would also have to clean and sanitise all the butcher stalls at the wet market.