TAPAH: At least one more year is needed to resolve the issues concerning pig farms in Perak, according to Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
"I don't wish to comment more on it, as the matter has been answered by (state executive council member) A. Sivanesan," said the Perak Menteri Besar during a press conference after closing a parenting seminar at SM Sains Tapah on Wednesday (April 23).
"Although it's not under his portfolio, he offered to resolve the matter," he added.
Saarani acknowledged that resolving the issue is challenging, echoing the sentiments of former state agriculture committee chairman Razman Zakaria, who is now the state Opposition chief.
In his winding-up speech during the state assembly sitting on Monday (April 21), Sivanesan stated that no new pig farms have been established in areas with a majority Muslim population. He added that there are only nine farms in Ayer Kuning, with eight having obtained planning approval for Modern Pig Farms (MPF), while another in Temoh is still in the application process.
Regarding the use of water near Kampung Poh by Muslims, Saarani indicated that the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) would need to test its suitability for ablution.
"They are aware of the matter. They will need to check whether the content of the water is up to standard for ablution. I just do not want the matter to be politicised," he said.
Saarani's comments came in response to claims by Perikatan leaders that a stream in Kampung Poh in Bidor has been polluted by effluent from a nearby pig farm.
PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad led a group, including media personnel, to the location on Wednesday (April 23).
Idris also claimed that water from the stream was connected to several bodies of water in Ayer Kuning, making the water unsuitable for daily use.
