Govt to Help Pig Farmers Access Financing for High-Tech Modernisation, Dewan Rakyat Told

KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will assist pig farmers seeking financial support to modernize their operations with high-technology systems, said its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session on Wednesday (Nov 19), Mohamad said the ministry is committed to helping farmers obtain financing from banks and financial institutions, especially as the sector continues to face declining self-sufficiency rates (SSR).

He noted that African swine fever (ASF) and previous disease outbreaks had severely impacted major pig farms in Melaka and Negri Sembilan, forcing many farmers to cull their livestock.

“For farmers who want to upgrade to modern pig farming, the ministry is ready to facilitate their applications for funding,” he said. “We will assist those seeking to develop high-technology operations by helping them secure loans or support from banks and other agencies.”

Mohamad was responding to Cha Kee Chin (PH Rasah), who asked about available avenues for pig farmers planning to transition into modern farming systems.

Mohamad said the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has outlined plans to boost the pig farming SSR to 90% by 2030 through the adoption of closed-house and high-technology systems.

To support farmers, the Finance Ministry has also expanded the scope of the agricultural automation tax incentive, enabling pig farmers to benefit from the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) and income tax exemptions. These incentives remain available until Dec 31, 2027.

He added that DVS continues to offer technical advisory services to pig farmers, covering farm management, compliance with animal health requirements, and biosecurity standards.

“These measures aim to support the transition to farming systems that are modern, sustainable, and carry a lower risk of disease,” he said.

Mohamad highlighted that the ministry is actively promoting closed-house pig farming through the Modern Pig Farming (MPF) and Pig Farming Area (PFA) concepts.

“There is a PFA in Simunjan, Sarawak, which serves as an integrated modern farming model, while another PFA is being developed in Tongod, Sabah,” he said.

He stressed that these initiatives demonstrate the ministry’s continued commitment to strengthening the pig-farming sector, improving sustainability, increasing competitiveness, and ensuring environmental safety.

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