Anwar Urges Pig Farms to Be Located Away from Residential Areas Amid Public Concerns

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is not opposed to pig farming or pork consumption but stressed that such activities must be located away from residential areas to avoid public concern and environmental issues.

He said communities should not be forced to live near pig farms, citing hygiene, pollution, and odor problems as key concerns.

“I agree that pig farming should not continue in areas that create anxiety among residents. If necessary, the farms should be relocated to more distant locations,” Anwar said during an address at the National Unity Ministry on Monday.

The Prime Minister clarified that the government respects the rights of non-Muslims to consume pork and does not oppose the industry itself. However, he emphasized that the well-being of local communities must be prioritized.

“In terms of policy, we are not against pig farming or pork consumption, but we should not compel people who do not wish to live near such facilities to do so,” he said.

Anwar also shared that he would personally object to a pig farm being located near his own home in Sungai Long, citing the unpleasant smell and potential health concerns.

“The issues from pig farms are real, including odor, health risks, and sewerage problems. So, locations should be decided through consensus. If there is no suitable place in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, then do not create unnecessary problems,” he added.

The issue has sparked debate in Selangor, following the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s earlier expression of disappointment over plans to allow pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, before relocating them to Bukit Tagar in 2030.

Previously, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the proposed pig farming project in Bukit Tagar had been halted due to public objections, and the state government is reviewing alternative locations that are sufficiently far from residential areas.