PM: We respect pork consumers' rights, but farming must be considerate too

Putrajaya’s intervention on pig farming plans in Selangor has nothing to do with restricting the rights of non-Muslims who consume pork, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Instead, he said the issue was environmental and cleanliness, as well as worries by Muslims and others who do not consume pork.

However, he stressed that the issue must be dealt with carefully and with respect.

“We respect the rights of those who consume pork. They respect our right to protect an area (and find somewhere) suitable (for farming).

“If this is the way, it will be peaceful,” Anwar said in an address to the National Unity Ministry’s staff today.

‘Even my Chinese neighbour didn’t like it’

The Selangor government had planned to centralise pig farming in the state at Bukit Tagar in Hulu Selangor.

However, the plan was put on hold, due in part to Anwar requesting that the project be suspended or relocated to a more suitable area, provided the technology used is “fully assured”.

In his address today, Anwar said concerns about pig farming were not exclusive to Muslims.

Recalling his days living in Penang, Anwar said he had a Chinese neighbour who consumed pork but did not want a pig farm nearby.

“They ate pork, but they did not want a pig farm near their house because of environmental, cleanliness, and olfactory problems.

“This is why I don’t see it as a race issue,” he said.

The premier added that he too would not want a pig farm near his residence in Sungai Long, saying he would not be able to stand the smell.

Racial sensitivities and pollution

The Selangor pig farming issue has been a contentious one, with even state ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah calling for the closure of farms in Tanjung Sepat after complaints by nearby residents about pollution.

PAS also sought to capitalise on the issue, and debates among MPs in Parliament have at times tugged at racial sensitivities and the rights of non-Muslims in the country.

Last month, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari reaffirmed the state government’s intentions to crack down on traditional pig farming areas that cause pollution.

Amirudin further affirmed that relocation efforts are aimed at securing a location further away from residential areas, more isolated, and equipped with the necessary systems.

He highlighted that Selangor is not the only state which has embarked on such initiatives, pointing to moves by Perak, Sarawak, and Negeri Sembilan.

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