The government has averted a potential multi-billion-ringgit loss for the Malaysian seafood industry by taking pro-active actions by suspending seafood exports to the EU.

Affected by this temporary ban would be all 46 Malaysian companies that are presently exporting seafood and fisheries to the European Union.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai today told reporters at his ministry in Putrajaya that the 46 active seafood exporting companies have been stopped from sending over their supplies to the EU until they comply with the EU health standards.

liow tiong lai eu seafood ban putrajaya 190608 "We were given two choices (by EU), one is to de-list the exporting companies voluntarily or being imposed a total ban by the EU," he said.

And he said that his ministry decided yesterday to choose the former, which was to remove all Malaysian companies - and not just those who had flouted the EU's strict standards - off the EU list.

The European Commission had earlier proposed to ban Malaysian seafood and live fish imports over concerns that several local companies had failed to meet EU health standards.

"(Once the EU requirements have been met), they will be allowed entry into the EU," Liow said.

Later in a statement, the health ministry said that all the local companies had been told to stop shipments since Tuesday until they comply with the EU standards.

"This request is made to avoid (a) European Commission decision to ban the imports of fishery products from Malaysia," the statement said.

Companies being audited

Liow also said that the local agencies were fully committed in implementing a comprehensive plan of action involving all stakeholders.

"(That is why) all the concerned processing establishments and vessels are currently being audited to verify their compliance to EU requirements," Liow added, saying the auditing process will take about six weeks.

malaysia frozen seafood export to eu 110608 He added that the EU authorities will be informed as soon as the local agencies have implemented changes to comply with the EU standards.

He said that once that has been done, then the ministry will request for these suspended seafood exporters to be included in the EC's list of approved companies.

The ministry's deputy director for food safety and policy division Wee Bee Wah, who was also present at the press conference, said the whole process of re-listing was just a part of "formality".

She further said the process of gaining back entry to the EU could take up to three months.

The minister further pointed out that a joint committee with Ministry of Agriculture has been set up to look into the problems these local companies would face during their temporary ban.

He also said that he had tabled a memorandum to the cabinet yesterday to propose a plan on helping these suspended companies.

He said that the affected companies should inform the government on what procedures they have to take and what the government has to do to help them.

In April, visiting EU health inspectors found Malaysian seafood processors and exporters had breached several EU health regulations.

The regulations govern proper freezing and storage facilities onboard vessels, including clean water and wash basins.

The annual value of Malaysian seafood exports to the EU is RM1.5 billion.