The Kelantan state government today said it is taking preventive measures by gassing chickens and birds within one kilometre of the farm where the deadly bird flu was detected.

"The development thus far indicates there is no outbreak or spread of bird flu among the population, but preventive measures have been taken," Kelantan executive councillor for agriculture and rural development Dr Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad told malaysiakini.

"At least 150 chickens and birds were culled as of this afternoon, and we expect to continue this exercise until tomorrow," he said, adding that most of the chickens were not reared for consumption but for cockfighting, a popular sport there.

The birds were stuffed into plastic bags and carbon dioxide gas was pumped into them, and the carcasses were later thrown into an incinerator.

The deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which has killed 27 people in Southeast Asia so far this year, was found on a farm in Kampung Baru Pasir Pekan near Kota Baru yesterday after two chickens were discovered dead.

In view of the discovery, he said the area within 10km of the village has also been quarantined to ensure that no poultry or birds were smuggled out of the area.

The quarantine order is expected to stand at between two to three weeks.

"We are monitoring the situation very closely and everything is under control ... there is nothing we need to hide," he said, urging the federal government to be transparent over information regarding bird flu to avoid panic and the public believing in hearsay.

"The health and agriculture ministries, in particular, should keep the public informed with the latest news on suspected bird flu cases," he said.

Bernama had issued a flash to local newspapers late last night informing them of a directive from the Prime Minister's Department barring local media from reporting any news relating to the 'so-called bird flu in the country'.

The Prime Minister's Department today, however, denied issuing any such directive.

Thailand link

Meanwhile, following the latest development in Kelantan, Singapore has suspended all imports of poultry and poultry products from Malaysia.

While the source of the bird flu virus in the east coast state is unknown, officials are eyeing the border with Thailand, the world's fourth largest chicken exporter until bird flu hit it earlier this year.

The virus had then infected chickens in Narathiwat, Thailand - which is located 100km from Kampung Baru Pasir, Pekan. The two towns are connected by river and road.

Security along the Malaysian border with Thailand was increased after that outbreak.

The World Health Organisation said past human cases of bird flu have been limited to people living or working in close contact with birds, rather than by eating poultry meat or eggs.

The deadly bird flu has so far killed 27 people across Asia this year, 19 of them in Vietnam.