Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah suggested that elected representatives live next to pig farms in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat.
Expressing disagreement with the Selangor government’s decision to allow pig farming operations in the area, he noted that his residence, Istana Pantai Bahagia, is located there too.
"His Majesty himself has personally experienced and witnessed the effects of odour pollution caused by pig farming activities in the area.
“Therefore, it is unreasonable for this issue, that has been going on for more than a decade, to be allowed to repeat itself on a larger scale.
"For that reason, His Majesty proposes for elected representatives to live and settle next to pig farming areas such as in Kuala Langat and experience for themselves the reality experienced by the surrounding residents," the statement from the Selangor palace said today.
Until today, the ruler said, residents who live 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.
Two days ago, Bernama said the Selangor government has decided to centralise pig farming in the state at Bukit Tagar in Hulu Selangor by 2029.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim said while the project in Bukit Tagar is being completed, existing farmers in Tanjung Sepat may continue their operations before being relocated.
The issue has been ongoing since November 2000, when Kuala Langat Pig Farmers Association chairperson Sim Ah Hock told Malaysiakini that pig farmers should not be made into a scapegoat for river pollution.
In October 2022, Bernama reported Selangor executive council member Hee Loy Sian as saying that eight pig farms were the source of water pollution at the coastline at Tanjong Sepat.
Is graft involved?
Commenting further, Sultan Sharafuddin questioned if corruption influenced the state government's decision.
"His Majesty seriously questioned whether the planning of this large-scale pig farming project involved the interests of certain groups of politicians and businesspeople, as well as raising concerns about the possibility of corruption, conflict of interest, or governance leakage in the planning and approval process of the project," the statement said.
He asked whether the cost for the Bukit Tagar project will be borne by the state government as well as if government funds would be better allocated in providing public facilities such as schools and hospitals instead.
Stressing that he did not completely object to the project, he called for a thorough study to precede any final decision.
"Economic development cannot sacrifice the well-being of the people, environmental sustainability, and harmony of the multi-racial community in Selangor," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin noted the importance of pig farming to meet the dietary needs of the Chinese and non-Muslim communities, but said any large-scale activities are "inappropriate, insensitive, and disproportionate to the demographic reality and harmony of the Selangor community, the majority of which is the Malay-Muslim population."
Meanwhile, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar welcomed the ruler’s statement, adding the latter’s concerns are well-founded.
Sukri also told the state government to take the sultan's statement as a reminder that development must prioritise integrity and transparency, as well as the welfare of all people, not only that of a selected few. - Mkini
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