BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Selangor, which has caused concern among local residents, to be either put on hold for now or relocated to a more suitable site.
He said he would hold discussions with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to seek the best solution to the issue.
Anwar said the matter was raised at the Cabinet meeting he chaired on Friday (Jan 23), following public unease in the affected area.
ALSO READ: Selangor Sultan expresses deep disappointment over large-scale pig farming in Kuala Langat
"I will discuss this with the MB and suggest that the project be put on hold first, or relocated to a more suitable area, provided the technology used is fully assured.
"Even if the technology is the best available, if it causes concern in the area, it should not be allowed to proceed,” he told reporters after Friday prayers in Bandar Baru Bangi here.
Anwar said that although the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Selangor government, the Federal Government is concerned as it has triggered public unease.
"This cannot be taken lightly or treated as something that can be resolved easily," he said.
ALSO READ: Selangor govt plans to centralise pig farms in Bukit Tagar within three years
Prior to this, Amirudin said that the state government has yet to identify an alternative location to replace Bukit Tagar as the new site for the relocation of the state’s centralised pig farming operations.
However, he said the state government remains open and is prepared to engage all parties in discussions to ensure the implementation of a more orderly and comprehensive livestock farming system.
ALSO READ: No alternative location yet for pig farm besides Bukit Tagar, says Selangor MB
On Jan 10, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, expressed his disappointment and disagreement with the state government’s plan to allow temporary pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, beginning this year, before relocating them to Bukit Tagar in 2030.
His Royal Highness said the palace was particularly opposed due to the potential introduction of large-scale, export-oriented pig farming operations. – Bernama
