KLANG: The Selangor state government has stopped issuing pig farming licenses and is currently focusing on vacating existing farm sites in Tanjong Sepat near here, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Mentri Besar added that the closure of existing pig farms will also be expediated with the cooperation of the state Veterinary Department.
Amirudin said the decision was made at the state executive council meeting in tandem with Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree recently that no pig farms should be operating in any district in the state.
“The state government has stopped issuing pig farming licenses and is focusing on vacating existing farm sites in Tanjong Sepat in line with His Royal Highness’ decree issued last month," Amirudin said in a statement Thursday (Feb 12).
He added the state government will also not be issuing any pig farming licenses given Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree.
According to Amirudin, at present 70% of the non-Muslim community's needs for pork are sourced from other states, and following the decision made by the executive council, the relevant industry will fully import the meat to meet local demand.
“Any issuance and approval of import licenses will be referred to the Federal Government in line with licensing jurisdiction.
“This decision was made to maintain communal sensitivity and concerns about the impact of these farms on the environment, including water flow and odour pollution," said Amirudin.
He added that any polemics related to the pig farming issue must be stopped with the executive council’s decision and not prolonged to stoke disharmony and create ill-feelings amongst the multi-racial and multi-religious Selangor community.
