Malaysia bans nitrofuran usage in chicken feed . [START_ENT] KUALA LUMPUR [END_ENT] 1996-08-22  Malaysia has banned the use of nitrofuran , an antibiotic , in chicken feed and veterinary applications because it believes the drug could cause cancer , the health ministry said on Thursday .  " It is hoped that livestock breeders and feedmillers will abide by the laws and respect the cabinet decision in the interest of consumer safety , " Health Minister Chua Jui Meng was quoted as saying by the national Bernama news agency .  Chua said offenders could face a two-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of 5,000 ringgit ( $ 2000 ) .  " The ban takes effect immediately , " he added .
Kuala Lumpur