Selangor MB: No more new licences, closure of existing pig farms to be expedited

 

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the state government no longer issues new pig farming licences, while the closure of existing farms will be expedited and carried out in stages.

“Since January, the state government has halted the issuance of pig farming licences and has focused on clearing existing farm sites in Tanjong Sepat in line with the decree of His Royal Highness (Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah),” he said in a statement issued after chairing the state executive council meeting.

Amirudin said about 70 percent of pork requirements for the non-Muslim community are sourced through imports from other states.

Following the executive council’s decision, the menteri besar said the entire local requirement will be fully imported.

However, he said the issuance and approval of import licences will be referred to the federal government in line with its jurisdiction over licensing matters.

Respect sultan’s decree

The menteri besar also conveyed the state government’s “utmost gratitude” to the ruler for making clear that he does not consent to pig farming in any district of the state.

On Tuesday, Sultan Sharafuddin cited pollution concerns and the state’s limited land resources as the reasons for his disapproval.

“His Royal Highness emphasised that this pig farming issue should be halted and finalised, as it causes anxiety to all parties and affects peace and social harmony.

“Therefore, all parties are urged to respect His Royal Highness’ decree and together safeguard unity and harmony in this state,” read a statement by the Selangor Royal Office.

The statement also referred to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement suggesting that the state government cancel the large-scale pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor district.

It added that the issue was also raised during the prime minister’s audience with the ruler on Feb 8.

“Following that meeting, in his speech on Feb 9, the prime minister stated that he did not agree with pig farming being carried out in areas opposed by residents and which could give rise to controversy.

“If there is no suitable area for pig farming in Selangor in particular, he suggested that it need not be carried out.

“His Royal Highness welcomed the prime minister’s statement. His Royal Highness emphasised that he does not consent to pig farming being carried out in any district in the state,” read the statement. - Mkini