KOTA KINABALU, Aug. 26 -- Pork prices in Sabah have risen to RM17.50 or RM18 per kg, prompting calls for wider import sources and stronger efforts to reduce food costs in the State.

Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the increase was partly linked to Sabah's limited sources of imported pork, with the State currently allowing imports from only Denmark and France.

He said the Federal Government approved frozen pork imports from 11 countries, including Australia, the United States, Brazil, Thailand, Canada, Belgium, Ireland and Spain.

However, Sabah and Sarawak have the authority to decide whether such imports are allowed into their respective states.

"Sabah only allows two countries - Denmark and Fra...