SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has denied allegations that it is expanding pig farming in the state, saying instead that it plans to modernise operations to curb pollution and environmental damage.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said there are currently 69 licensed pig farm operators in Selangor and no new licences will be issued in the future.
He said the pig population has also been reduced to 100,000 from 250,000 previously, supplying about 30% of the state’s demand.
“The way the claim was framed was that the state had set up a large pig farming centre. This is untrue.
“What we actually did was close down pig farms scattered all over and plan to open a single centre,” he clarified.
Amirudin said more than 100 pig farms will eventually be consolidated into one centralised facility to ensure proper management using modern farming methods.
He said the relocation of existing pig farms will be carried out as soon as possible and completed by this year.
“We need to do this after discussions and explaining the situation to the operators.
“As long as we do not shut down these farms, pollution and odour from traditional pig farming will continue.
“Our goal is to end traditional farming practices and replace them with modern, privately managed operations,” he said.
Amirudin stressed that the plan will not involve state funds or land, unless acquired through sale by operators themselves.
“The main concern is how wastewater from pig farms is discharged and the impact it has on rivers and the environment,” he said.
He added that the centralised pig farm project, which initially planned to be completed within three years, will be expedited following a decree by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, for it to be implemented as soon as possible.
On Saturday, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed deep disappointment over the long-standing pig farming issue in Kuala Langat.
The state government recently decided to allow pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, from this year as a temporary measure before relocating them to a 202ha site in Bukit Tagar in 2030.
