PM endorses Selangor Sultan’s stance on swine farming in the state

CEBU: According to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, public health has been negatively impacted by pig farming in Selangor, which is why Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has every right to be concerned.

During a news conference held following the 48th ASEAN Summit, which concluded on Friday, May 8, the prime minister expressed concern about the lack of proper oversight and enforcement over specific agricultural practices. Too many excesses are influencing public health and are not being adequately handled, the Sultan of Selangor said, expressing his thoughts on the matter.

The prime minister made it clear that, in general, he was against pig farms running unchecked, especially near neighbourhoods where people lived.

He mentioned that farms near villages and housing areas, such as Klang, were a major problem. I have fundamental concerns about allowing pig farming to take place anywhere. The farms need to be situated far from any residential areas, and there needs to be stringent regulation. Not only do Muslims in the neighbourhood dislike living so close to these places, but so do Chinese people. Therefore, he added, the farms should be set back a bit.

Anwar emphasised the need for pig farming operations utilising contemporary technologies and guaranteeing zero environmental pollution. It would be impossible for the government to reject applications outright if there are companies capable of achieving these severe standards. Therefore, he reasoned, “Let us put this matter on hold first” for the time being.

A statement was released by Sultan Sharafuddin’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, on Thursday (May 7), stating that Sultan Sharafuddin has maintained his stance against permitting pig farming activities in any district in Selangor. -Bernama