By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Feb 9 — Pig farming should not be allowed in areas that can cause concern among local residents, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, stressing that such activities must be located away from housing areas.
He said that while he is not opposed to pig farming, he would not approve farms being built near residential areas due to environmental, health and odour concerns.
“Should they be allowed in areas that may cause controversy? My answer is no. The problems are real — odour, health concerns and waste — these are not fabricated.
"If there is no suitable site in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, then there isn’t. We should not create problems," he said during the National Unity Ministry monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
“I agree with the view that it should not continue in areas that cause unease among local residents. If it is to proceed, find alternative locations that are far away," he added.
Anwar was commenting on the recent controversy over the proposal to centralise Selangor pig farming activities in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
On January 26, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the state government has agreed to postpone the project to explore alternative plans, amid pushback from various quarters.
Earlier on January 8, state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said the state would only allow pig farming activities in Ladang Tumbuk in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, beginning this year, before relocating to Bukit Tagar.
Two days later, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj expressed his disappointment and disagreement with the plan.
Anwar said from a policy standpoint, the federal government does not prohibit pig farming or non-Muslims from consuming pork.
"However, we do not want to force communities that object to such farms to allow them near their residential areas, which could result in waste discharge affecting those locations.”
Sharing his experience, Anwar recalled how his Chinese neighbours in Penang previously had similarly objected to pig farming near their homes due to pollution.
“In fact, I don't agree if there is pig farming near my residential area in Sungai Long. I am not against non-Muslims eating pork, but I cannot tolerate the smell (of the farms)."
