Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the views expressed by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, regarding pig farming activities, saying the concerns were justified due to various excesses that have affected public health.
Speaking at a press conference following the closing of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, Anwar said the Selangor ruler’s remarks reflected growing concerns over weak enforcement and poor control of pig farming operations.
“The Sultan of Selangor voiced his concerns because there have been too many excesses, affecting public health and lacking proper control,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that, in principle, he does not support pig farming operations being carried out freely or located too close to residential areas.
He said one of the major concerns raised involved pig farms operating near villages and housing areas, including in Klang.
“Pig farming operations must be strictly controlled and located far away from residential areas,” he said.
Anwar added that objections to such farms were not limited to Muslim communities alone, noting that even many Chinese residents were uncomfortable living near the facilities.
“Not only Muslim residents, even Chinese residents do not want to stay near such areas, so these farms should be located further away,” he added.
He also stressed that pig farming operators must adopt modern technology and provide assurances that their activities would not lead to environmental pollution.
At the same time, Anwar acknowledged that it would be difficult for the government to reject companies capable of meeting all strict conditions imposed by the authorities.
“If there are companies able to fulfil all the strict requirements, then naturally it is difficult for the government to simply say no,” he said.
However, the Prime Minister indicated that the issue should be put on hold for now amid ongoing concerns.
On Thursday, Sultan Sharafuddin reaffirmed his stance against allowing pig farming activities in any district in Selangor, according to a statement issued by the Sultan’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani.
