KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- The pig farming sector in Malaysia is still grappling with the aftermath of African Swine Fever (ASF), which producers say has had a lasting impact on livestock numbers and remains a key factor behind the ongoing surge in pork prices.

In Penang alone, the number of pig farms has dropped by 25 per cent following a major outbreak last year, The Star reported today.

"There used to be around 160 farms, but now only about 120 are still operating," Penang Pig Farmers Association chairman Wong Fu Sheng was quoted as saying.

According to Wong, who runs a farm in Valdorin Sungai Jawi, the area with the highest concentration of pig farms in Penang, said the outbreak forced farmers to reduce livestock numbers to prevent ov...