text: Malaysia bans nitrofuran usage in chicken feed . KUALA LUMPUR 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 .