An opposition MP has called on the government to end pig farming in Malaysia and instead import pork to meet the needs of the local non-Muslim community.
Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam) argued that pig farming in Malaysia often faces local opposition, regardless of location.
Citing Singapore as an example, the Bersatu MP said the city-state opted for a “safer” approach by importing pork rather than rearing pigs domestically.
“If it’s located in Kuala Langat or Bukit Pelanduk, there will be objections. If it’s moved to Benut, there will still be objections. If it’s located in a Chinese New Village, there will surely be objections as well. So there’s no need to rear pigs, just import pork. In Singapore, more people consume pork but they don’t rear pigs, and that is safer,” he said during a debate on the king’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat.
Last week, the Selangor government cancelled its plan to centralise the state’s pig farming industry in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, after criticism from the Selangor sultan and advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the backlash against the proposal was premature, as the Bukit Tagar plan had not been formally submitted. He added that the state government would not announce any alternative location until a final decision is made.
