Frustrated over Malacca state executive member Seah Kwi Tong's failure to resolve their problems, about 100 angry pig farmers staged a noisy demonstration right outside the former's house yesterday.

Seah had initially 'promised' a group of 81 pig farm owners that he would try to convince the state government to reconsider its decision to close down their farms, effective March 15.

Armed with empty milk powder tins, school bags and posters, the pig farmers demonstrated for an hour under the watchful eyes of 20 police officers.

"If we lose our farms, how are we going to afford food and books for our children?" asked one disgruntled farmer.

The state government ordered all farms to close before the deadline. The farms will be forcefully sealed should the farmers fail to comply.

According to Lim Ah Keat who led the demonstration, Seah had promised on three occasions over the past few months that the matter will be resolved but the farmers kept on receiving letters about the closures.

Million-ringgit business

Seah, who attending a meeting elsewhere during the protest, was previously assigned by the Malacca MCA to assist the breeders in resolving the matter.

Lim said that if Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Mah Siew Keong who visited Malacca yesterday failed to solve the matter, they will turn to opposition parties for help.

"The Malacca government is not fair, how can they simply close down our multi-million ringgit properties?", said Lim adding that a civil suit to delay the state government's order might be on the cards.

When contacted, Mah revealed that Malacca State Secretary Ismail Salleh will allow one farmer, Chin Nam Yee to appeal to the state government before the order is enforced.

Chin, who is also Malacca Livestock Breeder's Association president will present his appeal one day before the deadline.

Mah declined to comment on the fate of the other 80 farms. However, he said the outcome of Chin's farm will affect the rest.

The deputy minister also stressed that the pig farms falls under the state government's authority and the ministry is powerless to intervene.