PM Backs Sultan Selangor's Concerns, Cites "Too Many Excesses" In Pig Farming Sector

From Linda Khoo Hui Li 

CEBU, May 8 (Bernama)  -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the concerns raised by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over pig farming in the state were justified due to repeated excesses that have affected public health.

Speaking at a press conference after the closing of the 48th ASEAN Summit here on Friday, Anwar said there had been inadequate control and enforcement over certain farming operations.

“The Sultan of Selangor voiced his views because what is happening now involves too many excesses that are affecting public health and are not being properly controlled,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that, in principle, he did not agree with pig farms operating without strict regulation, particularly when located too close to residential areas.

He said one of the main concerns was the existence of farms near villages and housing areas, including in Klang.

“In principle, I do not agree with pig farming being allowed just anywhere. There must be strict controls, and the farms must be located far away from residential areas.

“It is not only Muslim residents who object to living near such areas, even Chinese residents also do not want to live nearby. So the farms should be located further away,” he said.

Anwar said that pig farming operations must also adopt modern technology and provide assurances that no environmental pollution will occur.

“If there are companies capable of meeting these strict conditions, then it would be difficult for the government to reject their applications outright.

“That is why, for the time being, let us put this matter on hold first,” he said.

Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin maintained his stance against allowing pig farming activities in any district in Selangor, according to a statement issued by the Sultan’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani.

-- BERNAMA