Key facts
- Malaysia and Thailand are nearing a resolution to a seafood safety dispute.
- Malaysia suspended imports of five Thai shrimp species in response to Thailand's increased testing of Malaysian seabass.
- Thailand had previously cited concerns over chemical and antibiotic residues in Malaysian seabass.
- Malaysia's Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister confirmed receipt of a completed food safety questionnaire from Thailand.
- The resolution of the dispute could allow for the resumption of seafood shipments between the two countries.
Malaysia and Thailand are reportedly nearing the end of a seafood safety dispute that led to halted shipments and retaliatory import restrictions. The stand-off began when Thailand increased testing of Malaysian seabass shipments due to concerns over chemical and antibiotic residues. In response, Malaysia suspended imports of five species of Thai shrimp, a market valued at over $10 million annually for Thai exporters.
Tentative signs of resolution emerged when Malaysian officials confirmed receiving a completed food safety standards questionnaire from their Thai counterparts. This questionnaire completion was a condition set by Malaysia for lifting its ban on Thai shrimp. Malaysian Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin indicated that developments are underway following the return of the questionnaire, emphasizing ongoing communication.
Thailand had previously threatened to raise the issue at the World Trade Organization if bilateral talks failed, with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun criticizing Malaysia's immediate import halt. Thai Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed readiness to travel to Malaysia to seek a resolution, believing that mutual benefit from trade would pave the way for a solution. Malaysia has maintained a commitment to dialogue and cooperation throughout the dispute.