SHAH ALAM, Jan 17 — The implementation of modern pig farming in Bukit Tagar aims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including African Swine Fever (ASF), whose global outbreak began in February last year, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim.
He said Selangor was also affected by ASF, which is a serious infectious disease that could cause death in pigs within three to five days.
“ASF spreads easily. If one pig is found positive, it would affect livestock at the entire farm.
“Farm cleanup takes up to 40 days, and after that, the entry of new livestock is limited to only 10 (pigs) for monitoring and disease control,” he explained on the Jangan Pajak Otak podcast by activist Liyana Marzuki last night.
Izham said only 37 hog houses in Selangor are ASF-free, while the rest had to undergo cleanup and are under strict control by the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
“This is important to ensure the disease is truly under control, before farm operations are allowed to resume,” he added.
He said the state government has obtained feedback from farmers on the Bukit Tagar central pig farm, and has reached an agreement with investors and farmers on the implementation of a modern farming model.
“When I laid this matter out to Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, His Royal Highness consented to the project in that area.
“This is because Bukit Tagar is located far from residents, and with modern methods, the project will ensure there is no odour pollution,” Izham explained.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision to relocate the Kuala Langat pig farm to Bukit Tagar is to cease traditional farming and adopt modern methods.
Amirudin said the state government would hold discussions with farmers to explain the farm relocation process, compliance requirements, safety measures, and effects to their daily operations.
