SHAH ALAM, Jan 13 — Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and social impact assessments (SIA) will be prioritised in the relocation of pig farming operations to Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
"The relocation site will require an EIA as well as an assessment of its sewage system to ensure it does not affect the rivers and the surrounding environment.
"A detailed study to assess the supply needs will also be done by an independent body in the near future. But for now, production meets only 30 per cent of local demand,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to the media after handing over appointment letters to the National Information Dissemination Centre's (NADI) new advisory panel for the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur chapter today.
He added that the relocation involving 69 pig farm operators will be carried out this year following consultations and briefings with those affected, in line with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj's decree for the move to be implemented immediately.
"We have identified 69 operators that are deemed active. For the rest, we will not issue licenses.
"The relocation will take place because, as long as we do not close the existing farms, pollution from traditional farming activities will persist. Our initial step is to phase out traditional farming practices that cause odour pollution and transition towards modern farming systems operated by the private sector,” Amirudin said.
The Menteri Besar reiterated that the relocation does not involve any state government funding or land.
Yesterday, His Royal Highness stressed that the state will not provide funding or make any investment for pig farming operations in the future, including those to be relocated to Bukit Tagar.
In a statement issued through the Selangor Palace, or Istana Alam Shah, the Sultan said produce from the farming operations will not be exported.
The Ruler also called for a detailed study and a comprehensive census to identify accurate statistics on the actual quantity of pork required and demand among non-Muslims in the state.
Sultan Sharafuddin also decreed that no pig farming operations should take place in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, and that existing operations must be phased out gradually.
Previously, state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said the relocation of pig farms in Kuala Langat and Sepang to Bukit Tagar has been expedited to this year, earlier than the original plan set for 2030.
On Thursday (January 10), the Sultan of Selangor expressed disappointment over plans to allow pig farming in Tanjung Sepat prior to the relocation, citing concerns over the development of large-scale pig farms in areas with a Malay-majority population.
