Human Writes: Eating up the planet

Most meat comes from intensive 'factory farms' where animals are extremely confined. Livestock farming also uses large amounts of land and water and is a major source of global water pollution, largely from fertilisers and animal waste. — Public domain

In January 2026, a Selangor government plan to centralise pig farming met with stiff resistance. Intended to modernise the industry and curb pollution, it quickly drew opposition. Critics cited religious sensitivities and odour pollution.

Such reactions are unsurprising – who would welcome any large livestock operation as a neighbour? Intensive livestock farming is not a pretty business – it’s smelly, noisy, brutal, and bloody.