Sultan doesn't consent to pig farming in S'gor, suggests imports

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah does not consent to pig farming being carried out in any district in the state, citing pollution and limited land resources.

Instead, the ruler suggested that the government issue licences for the importation of pork to meet the demand and needs of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community, in Selangor.

“His Royal Highness emphasised that this pig farming issue should be halted and finalised, as it causes anxiety to all parties and affects peace and social harmony.

“Therefore, all parties are urged to respect His Royal Highness’ decree and together safeguard unity and harmony in this state,” read a statement by the Selangor Royal Office.

The statement also referred to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement suggesting that the state government cancel the large-scale pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor district.

It added that the issue was also raised during the prime minister’s audience with the ruler on Feb 8.

“Following that meeting, in his speech on Feb 9, the prime minister stated that he did not agree with pig farming being carried out in areas opposed by residents and which could give rise to controversy. If there is no suitable area for pig farming in Selangor in particular, he suggested that it need not be carried out.

“His Royal Highness welcomed the prime minister’s statement. His Royal Highness emphasised that he does not consent to pig farming being carried out in any district in the state,” it added.

For example, the statement cited the proposed pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, a Malay-majority and Felda area, as one that would face objections from residents and surrounding communities.

Modern farming tech not enough

In addition, it said pig farming activities could result in pollution of water catchment areas as well as rivers that supply clean water to residents in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.

“In this matter, although air and river pollution can be mitigated through modern farming methods, this would require substantial expenditure and is unlikely to be affordable for any party engaged in pig farming solely to supply pork within the state.

“Furthermore, there is no guarantee that modern farming will not cause water pollution in water catchment areas and rivers that are sources of clean water for residents of the Klang Valley,” it added.

Moreover, the statement said both large-scale and small-scale pig farming are not suitable in Selangor due to limited land resources, compounded by the high value of real estate, which should be used for more economically beneficial purposes that the community can utilise.

“Therefore, His Royal Highness suggests that the government grant licences for the importation of pork to meet the demand and needs of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community, in Selangor.

“Through this method, not only can the long-standing issue of pig farming be resolved, but at the same time the state government can optimise the use of Selangor’s land for other purposes such as development and settlement,” it added.

Yesterday, Anwar said the government does not oppose pig farming, but stressed that such activities should not be carried out in areas that could cause public concern.

He said communities should not be forced to live near pig farms, as this could raise health, hygiene, and environmental issues.

“I agree with the idea that pig farming should not be carried out in areas where it causes concern for residents. If required, the farms should be moved to locations further away.

“We are not opposed to pig farming or to non-Muslims consuming pork, but we do not want to compel communities to live near such operations,” he said.

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