SHAH ALAM, Feb 10 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has voiced his opposition to any sort of pig farming activities in the state over concerns of pollution and environmental impact.
In a statement, the Sultan's private secretary Dato’ Mohamad Munir Bani said His Royal Highness welcomes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement yesterday that pig farming should not be carried out in areas where it faces local opposition or could spark controversy.
“His Royal Highness emphasises that he does not approve of pig farming being carried out in any district of Selangor,” he said today.
Munir said Sultan Sharafuddin has instead urged the state government to issue licences for the import of pork to meet the demand of local non-Muslims.
"This can not only resolve the long-standing issue of pig farming, but at the same time, the state government can optimise the use of Selangor’s land for other purposes, such as development and housing," he said today.
According to Munir, the Ruler is concerned that pig farming could pollute the air and contaminate water catchments and rivers that supply clean water to residents of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
He said that while modern farming methods could reduce pollution, the high costs involved would likely be unaffordable for anyone raising pigs solely to supply pork in Selangor.
There is also no guarantee that modern farming would not cause water pollution in catchment areas and rivers, he added.
"In addition, large- or small-scale pig farming is also unsuitable in Selangor due to limited land resources, compounded by the high property values in the state, which should be used for more economically beneficial purposes for the community.
"Therefore, His Royal Highness suggested that the government issue licenses for the import of pork to meet the demand and needs of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community, in Selangor.
Munir said the Sultan also urged for an end to the issue of pig farming in Selangor, as it raises concerns among various parties.
"As such, all quarters are urged to heed his decree and work together to maintain unity and harmony in the state."
Yesterday, Anwar said pig farming should not be allowed in areas that can cause concern among local residents, stressing that such activities must be located away from housing areas, citing environmental, health and odour concerns.
Commenting on the recent controversy over the proposal to centralise Selangor pig farming activities in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, Anwar said that if there is no suitable site for pig farming in Selangor, then there is no need to establish one.
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.
