Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for stricter licensing requirements for livestock farms, saying years of water supply disruptions and river pollution in his constituency have been linked to poultry and pig farming.
Speaking during the debate on the Animal (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2026 in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Madius said residents of Tamparuli had long endured water supply interruptions due to contamination of raw water sources, particularly Sungai Bawang and Sungai Mangkaladoi.
He also highlighted recurring operational disruptions at the Telibong I Water Treatment Plant, which he said were caused by high ammonia levels in the raw water, affecting water supply to consumers.
According to Madius, there are more than 19 poultry farms operating in the Tamparuli constituency, along with several pig farms housing an estimated livestock population of over 50,000 animals.
While acknowledging the importance of strengthening food security, Madius stressed that it should not come at the cost of water security.
“There is little value in producing millions of chickens and eggs if people continue to suffer water supply disruptions caused by polluted raw water sources,” he said.
He urged the relevant ministry to verify the actual number of livestock farms and animals registered with the Department of Veterinary Services so that lawmakers have accurate data for policymaking and enforcement.
Madius also proposed that the new licensing framework under the Animal (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2026 include stricter requirements for waste and effluent management, regular environmental monitoring and tougher enforcement against operators who fail to comply.
He said licensing livestock farms and slaughterhouses was no longer optional, but essential to ensure Sabah’s livestock industry could continue growing without compromising public health, water security and the environment.
