Amid concerns over pig farmers being asked to relocate their farms to Bukit Tagar, Selangor state executive councillor Izham Hashim said the new place is located near a landfill.
“The Malays aside, even ‘makhluk’ (creatures) won’t live there. That is the place the state government has identified to establish a state-of-the-art pig farm, which will also be environmentally friendly.
“So, the issue of Malays or other communities living there doesn’t arise as there are no residential areas there.
“And we have presented this to the Selangor sultan, and His Highness understands this,” Izham said on Facebook today.
On Jan 10, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed disagreement over the current management of pig farms in the state.
Referring to existing farms in Tanjung Sepat, Sultan Sharafuddin suggested that elected representatives live next to pig farms in the area.
The ruler pointed out that residents living near pig farms are suffering from a multitude of negative effects - a lingering foul stench, river water pollution, and a ceaseless fly problem, which have all affected their quality of life while contributing to health concerns.
New resolutions
Following a meeting with Izham and fellow state executive councillor Ng Suee Lim on Jan 12, Sultan Sharafuddin approved several resolutions, including a decree that there will be no more pig farming operations in Tanjung Sepat.
According to a statement from the Selangor palace, the ruler also decreed that existing operations in the area should be stopped gradually and transferred completely to Bukit Tagar, in compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
The ruler also ordered the state government to conduct a comprehensive study and detailed census to identify the amount of pork needed by non-Muslims in Selangor.
"His Majesty stressed that there is no intention or plan to export the livestock.
“The study conducted should be used as a benchmark to decide on the scale and capacity needed for pig farming in Bukit Tagar to ensure it remains at a reasonable and controlled level,” the statement added.
Sultan Sharafuddin also emphasised that public funds should not be used for any future pig farming operations, including those in Bukit Tagar.
‘Why racialise issue?’
On that note, Izham, who is in charge of the infrastructure and agriculture portfolio, lamented that certain quarters had turned the matter into a racial issue.
He pointed out that many have missed the point where the Selangor government was trying to resolve the issue, not make it worse.
“In fact, some even insulted me… accusing me of being a puppet for pig farmers,” Izham said.
He also stressed that Sultan Sharafuddin understands the dietary needs of non-Muslims, given that Selangor has a multiracial population.
“I hope the people can look at the issue comprehensively and rationally, not using emotions and sentiments.
“What the state government is striving for is a long-term solution for the sake of the people’s health and providing a sustainable environment, and in line with the harmony enjoyed by the multi-racial communities in Selangor,” Izham added. - Mkini
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