PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has decreed that all pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, must be shut down in stages and fully relocated to Bukit Tagar, with no new farms allowed to operate in the area.
In a statement issued by Istana Alam Shah, His Royal Highness said he had examined in depth issues related to the management and direction of pig farming operations in Selangor, taking into account public interest, environmental well-being and social harmony in the state.
According to the statement, Sultan Sharafuddin said the relocation from Tanjong Sepat to Bukit Tagar must be carried out in an orderly manner and in compliance with all legal requirements and relevant regulations.
Sultan Sharafuddin also called for a detailed study and comprehensive census, based on verified data, to determine the actual demand and requirement for pork solely for consumption by non-Muslims in Selangor.
He stressed that there was no intention or plan to export any output from such farming operations.
“The findings of the study must be used as the main basis to determine the scale, capacity and land size for pig farming operations in Bukit Tagar, so that they remain reasonable and controlled,” the statement read.
The statement came after His Royal Highness had granted an audience to Selangor infrastructure and agriculture executive councillor Datuk Izham Hashim and local government and tourism executive councillor Datuk Ng Suee Lim.
The Sultan also said that the Selangor government would not provide any financial allocation or make investments for any pig farming operations in the future, including in Bukit Tagar.
“All related matters must be carried out without involving public funds.”
The statement said the Sultan expressed hope that all parties involved would implement these decisions responsibly, prudently and in accordance with the law to ensure the well-being of the people, environmental sustainability and harmony in Selangor’s multiracial society.
In a press conference later, Izham said the Selangor government will expedite the relocation and centralisation of pig farming operations across the state to Bukit Tagar within the year – four years ahead of the initial timeline in 2030.
He said efforts were being intensified to settle land matters at the proposed site.
“I have discussed this with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and we will fast track the process.
“However, the state government will not disburse any funds and will only act as a facilitator,” he told a press conference at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.
Izham said he had earlier been granted an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin to brief the Ruler on measures being taken to prevent pollution in areas surrounding pig farms.
Izham said His Royal Highness acknowledged that such activities were necessary to ensure food security for non-Muslim communities.
However, they must not pose cleanliness and environmental problems.
Izham said the Selangor government would tighten regulations surrounding pig farming activities in Bukit Tagar.
“Farming activities must be carried out within closed spaces with sufficient buffer zones and zero discharge to surrounding drains and rivers.
“There are also concerns as waste takes a long time to treat due to high ammonia content.”
Izham said Selangor has 114 pig farms, of which only 69 are active, producing some 100,000 pigs.
He said this figure can only fulfil 30% of demand in the state.
“How can we export when our production cannot even meet local demand?” he added.
Last Saturday, the Sultan expressed deep disappointment and disagreement with the state government’s plan to allow pig farming operations in the Tanjong Sepat area beginning this year, before their relocation to Bukit Tagar in 2030.
