PM urges Bkt Tagar pig farming project be put on hold

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for the proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Selangor, which has caused concern among local residents, to be either put on hold first or relocated to a more suitable site.

Anwar said he would hold discussions with Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari to seek the best solution to the issue.

He added that the matter was raised at the cabinet meeting he chaired today, following public unease in the affected area.

“I will discuss this with the menteri besar and suggest that the project be put on hold first, or relocated to a more suitable area, provided the technology used is fully assured.

“Even if the technology is the best available, if it causes concern in the area, it should not be allowed to proceed,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Al Amin in Bandar Baru Bangi, today.

Not a small matter

Anwar said that although the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Selangor government, the federal government remains concerned as it has triggered public unease.

“This cannot be taken lightly or treated as something that can be resolved easily,” he said.

Prior to this, Amirudin said the state government has yet to identify an alternative location to replace Bukit Tagar as the new site for the relocation of the state’s centralised pig farming operations.

However, he said the state government remains open and is prepared to engage all parties in discussions to ensure the implementation of a more orderly and comprehensive livestock farming system.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari

On Jan 10, Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah issued a statement via his office, firmly opposing the renewal of licences for Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, pig farms.

He went as far as challenging assemblypersons to live next to the pig farms themselves to experience the issues firsthand.

The Selangor ruler also disagreed with using Kuala Langat as a temporary site before the pig farming industry moves to Bukit Tagar, fearing that the pollution, which has persisted for 16 years, would further deteriorate.

- Bernama