The government has quarantined 30 pig farms for one month after pigs tested postive for beta-agonist, a banned growth enhancer.

Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said the 30 farms were among 415 pig farms nationwide which were tested for the use of the substance, the Star newspaper reported on Tuesday.

"Their action reduces consumers' confidence in local pork. We are going to be very firm with them," Chua said according to the daily.

Chua said the farms have been placed under quarantine since last week.

He said the government had to take drastic measures to eradicate the use of the drug to protect the country's RM1.5 billion pork industry.

Drug banned 10 years ago

The quarantined farms were in Perak, Penang, Malacca and Selangor while pig farms in Kedah and Johor were free of the substance, Chua said.

He added that the Health Ministry had also found that some 70 percent of pork sold in Kuala Lumpur were tainted with beta-agonist.

Pork sellers found selling meat with the substance will be fined up to RM100,000 or face 10 years in jail, on conviction.

In October, local media had reported that some 70 percent of locally-bred pigs are still fed beta-agonist, a substance banned 10 years ago which is used to enhance growth of pigs by making them more lean by reducing fat.

Beta-agonist is a medicine used for patients suffering from asthma.

However when consumed in pork, it causes headaches, dizziness, palpitations and breathing difficulties for consumers, and can be fatal for those suffering from heart-related disease.