SHAH ALAM, Mar 12 — Strong federal-state coordination in licensing, zoning, and operational compliance is needed to support the country’s modern livestock sector, said Agricultural and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin.
He was responding to Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven’s concern that states like Selangor and Negeri Sembilan face challenges in approving new pig farming areas or modern pig farming facilities.
“The government is always ready to assess current industry needs to ensure its development aligns with other growing livestock sectors and moves towards modernisation,” he said during the question and answer session at the Dewan Negara today.
Chan said Putrajaya is continually exploring ways to strengthen strategic cooperation between the federal and state governments on farming activities.
“Recognition of farm sites largely falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and local authorities. Therefore, governance and coordination measures are being reinforced to ensure orderly and effective implementation.”
Addressing the upper House, Chan outlined initiatives to sustain a resilient pig farming industry, including promoting closed-house farming systems for pigs, poultry, ducks, and other livestock.
He said incentives like the accelerated capital allowance (ACA) and income tax exemptions are also offered as encouragement for farmers to convert open farms into closed houses.
On February 12, Menteri Besar Dato’ Amirudin Shari announced that the state government would halt the issuance of pig farming licences in Selangor, in line with a recent decree by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
This is after the Selangor ruler voiced his opposition to pig farming in the state, citing concerns over pollution and environmental impact.
Amirudin said all local pork demand will now be fully met through imports.
His Royal Highness also supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that pig farming should not proceed in areas where it faces local opposition or could spark controversy.
