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More realistic compensation for the pig farmers affected by the viral epidemic.
Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Japanese Encephalitis, JE (hitherto more correctly called Viral Encephalitis, VE) to give financial aid for pig farmers on 31 March 199

 
Previously, the Cabinet refused to compensate the farmers for culling of pigs. That was bad. Yesterday, it decided to offer pig farmers in18 areas affected by VE RM50 for each animal culled. This is better. But it is still a long way from getting the farmers on their feet.

The Committee Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that a coordinating committee would be set up soon so that, among others, the amount of humanitarian assistance provided by these funds would be standardized. We hope he will go all out to stamp out any irregularity.

The Government assumes that there will be 950,000 pigs to be destroyed. The cost for rearing each animal is at least RM150 to 200. RM50 per animal is perhaps one-third or

less of the cost. If each animal costs RM200, one million would be RM200 million.

In those areas unaffected by VE, the farmers will be given RM10 for each pig surrendered for culling and additional RM3 if they carry out culling themselves.

The epidemic started last year. The Government began to take action late. Because it does not know the actual virus causing the epidemic, it is using blunderbuss measures to eradicate JE and Hendra-like virus. It is firing shotguns with so many lead shots, hoping to catch the target.

Although the country is facing economic crisis, the Government should try its best to raise at least RM200 million to compensate the pig farmers. It should reconsider their dire state.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw

 

 
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