GEORGE TOWN: The issue of pollution allegedly linked to pig farming activities in north Seberang Perai will be resolved, says state local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
He said the state administration remained committed to addressing environmental concerns affecting residents in the area, including water pollution and public complaints linked to pig farms operating there.
His assurance came after criticism from state Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua) over the longstanding problem.
The PAS assemblyman questioned the state government’s capability to resolve what he described as a decades-long issue affecting nearby communities.
Responding to Muhammad Fauzi, H’ng said the state government took the matter seriously and relevant agencies had been instructed to monitor the situation and implement the necessary mitigation and enforcement measures.
Muhammad Fauzi pressed the state government on the effectiveness of existing policies and enforcement actions, arguing that residents had endured the issue for years without a comprehensive solution.
Earlier, H’ng was responding to a written question from Mohd Sobri Salleh (PN-Permatang Berangan) on the environmental issue at Sungai Kereh and the action taken by the state government.
He said concerns raised by several assemblymen, including those from Sungai Dua, Permatang Berangan and Teluk Air Tawar, over improper waste management, foul odour and environmental contamination had been taken seriously.
He said the matter had been repeatedly highlighted by elected representatives and residents, particularly over the alleged discharge of untreated waste contributing to pollution and discomfort in surrounding communities.
“I understand the concerns raised and I appreciate the views expressed. The state government is committed to implementing appropriate improvement measures as previously discussed with assemblymen in north Seberang Perai,” he said.
He also acknowledged the position of the Permatang Berangan assemblyman, whom he described as taking a constructive and forward-looking stance in recognising that effective pollution control could help address broader concerns over livestock numbers.
On enforcement, he said the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) continued to carry out inspections, monitoring and regulatory action despite constraints in manpower, logistics and operational resources.
He added that enforcement officers were tasked with multiple responsibilities, including farm inspections, complaint investigations, licensing, sampling and technical reporting across various livestock sectors.
However, he said compliance efforts were being reinforced through regular inspections, surprise checks, corrective action and advisory programmes to encourage good farming practices and improved waste management among operators.
H’ng noted that pollution in Kampung Selamat and surrounding areas was not solely attributed to pig farming activities, but also involved other contributing factors such as agriculture, drainage systems and waste discharge from multiple sources under different agencies.
As such, he said enforcement was being carried out in a coordinated manner involving the Department of Environment, local authorities, the Drainage and Irrigation Department and other technical agencies to ensure a more comprehensive approach in identifying root causes and implementing corrective measures.
On developments in Sungai Kereh, he said the state government held a meeting on April 23 involving the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), the Department of Environment and the Veterinary Services Department, together with elected representatives, to discuss proposed solutions.
Among the key proposals was the transfer of pig waste to the Ampang Jajar Transfer Station for processing via anaerobic digestion, which converts organic waste into biogas for renewable energy use.
He said the initiative was expected to reduce river pollution while supporting sustainable waste management and green energy generation.
A follow-up meeting was held on May 11 to coordinate approval procedures for the proposed project, with the Department of Environment requesting a revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to expedite evaluation and implementation.
The state government also encouraged livestock operators to adopt modern farming technologies, saying a more systematic and sustainable approach could help ensure compliance with environmental standards while supporting economic growth in the sector.
