Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that pig farming activities cannot be allowed to operate freely without strict regulations, especially in areas located near residential communities.
He said the concerns raised by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, regarding the issue were justified due to various excesses that have allegedly affected public health and environmental conditions.
Speaking at a closing press conference for the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, Anwar said the Selangor ruler’s views reflected growing concerns over inadequate monitoring and enforcement involving pig farming operations.
“His Royal Highness voiced his concerns because there have been too many excesses, affecting public health and lacking proper control,” he said.
Anwar said he personally disagreed with pig farming activities being carried out close to residential areas, stressing that such operations should only be allowed under strict supervision and in locations far from populated communities.
“Not only Muslims, even Chinese residents do not want to live near such areas. These farms should be located further away from residential settlements,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that pig farms should also adopt advanced technology and provide guarantees that pollution would not occur.
“The technology used must be modern and there must be assurances against environmental pollution,” he added.
However, Anwar acknowledged that it would be difficult for the government to completely prohibit the industry if operators are capable of meeting all strict conditions imposed by authorities.
“If a company is able to comply with all the strict requirements, then naturally it becomes difficult for the government to say no,” he said.
Anwar also revealed that the government had studied the matter and that he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor to obtain further clarification regarding the issue.
Among the key concerns highlighted, he said, were the existence of pig farms located near villages and housing areas, including in Klang.
“That is why, for the time being, we should put a stop to it first,” he said.
On Thursday, media reports stated that Sultan Sharafuddin had reaffirmed his stance against allowing pig farming activities in any district within Selangor.
The Sultan’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, said the royal position was made after considering the environmental impact of pig farming, including risks of land, air and water pollution caused by waste discharge and sewage contamination.
