IPOH: The issue of pig farming, especially in Ayer Kuning, was raised at the Perak State Assembly sitting.
During his winding-up speech on Monday (April 21), Perak's human resources, health, Indian community affairs, and national integration committee chairman A. Sivanesan reiterated that the state government never approved any new pig farms in areas identified with a majority Muslim population.
“Most of the existing farms today are operations that have been in existence for decades, situated on privately owned land, and have been operating since before the gazettement of modern farming guidelines or policies,” he said.
Sivanesan made this statement in response to a question from Manjoi assemblyman Mohd Hafez Sabri concerning pig farming activities in the Batang Padang, Muallim and Ayer Kuning constituencies.
Also read: Perak govt denies allegations on pig farm numbers
He said a total of 20 licensed pig farms are currently operating under the Pig Farming Control Enactment 1992.
According to Sivanesan, 11 farms have received Planning Approval for their transition to Modern Pig Farms (MPF), while the remaining nine are still in the documentation process with the relevant councils.
“I would also like to refute a claim made by Manjoi stating that more than 30 pig farms are operating in the Batang Padang area.
“I seek clarification and confirmation on the location of the remaining 10 alleged illegal pig farms based on their field visit,” he said.
Sivanesan said that this would enable the Veterinary Services Department to take enforcement action.
“I am also prepared to conduct on-site inspections myself if the Honourable Member’s statement proves accurate.
“I welcome Manjoi to join me and the department for this purpose,” he added
Sivanesan also clarified that there were no pig farms in the Muallim district as mentioned by Manjoi.
He said at present, there were 11 farms in Bidor, and nine farms in Ayer Kuning.
“Eight of the farms in Ayer Kuning have already obtained planning approval from MPF, while one such farm in Temoh is still in the process of applying,” he added.
