Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Thailand are currently engaged in intensive discussions regarding the temporary suspension of shrimp imports, with both nations striving to reach a solution that ensures their respective interests are safeguarded, as stated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the issue has also drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and remains at the negotiation stage as both countries seek the best possible resolution. "We are trying to protect the country's rights and interests, while the Thai side will provide clarification on matters related to fish and shrimp exports to Malaysia," Mohamad Sabu commented during a press conference after inaugurating the Road to MAHA 2026 Central Zone program.
In the meantime, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), mentioned that Malaysia had received Thailand's response to a questionnaire issued by the ministry. The information provided is currently under assessment, verification, and audit to ensure compliance with national biosecurity requirements and conditions.
Malaysia had earlier announced its intention to evaluate Thailand's adherence to its biosecurity standards following the temporary suspension of imports of five shrimp species. Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain highlighted that KPKM had requested Thailand to respond to a questionnaire through Malaysia's agricultural representative office in Bangkok.
On May 16, Malaysia enforced stricter controls on fisheries imports from Thailand by introducing certificate of analysis (CoA) requirements for seabass and temporarily suspending imports of five shrimp species, effective June 1. The species affected by the suspension include Penaeus esculentes, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon, and Penaeus stylirostris.
Thailand has reportedly indicated its preparedness to bring the matter to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and ASEAN forums if bilateral negotiations do not yield a resolution.