GEORGE TOWN: Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan should visit Sungai Kereh to see its improved water quality firsthand before calling for the shutdown of Kampung Selamat's pig farms, says Penang executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
Responding to Wan Saiful’s renewed parliamentary call for immediate farm closures over environmental concerns, H’ng urged the opposition MP to understand state remediation efforts before making blanket demands.
"If Wan Saiful is genuinely concerned about pollution in north Seberang Prai, he should first understand the measures taken by the state government," H’ng told a press conference at the Penang State Assembly on Thursday (Nov 5).
H’ng noted that opposition assemblyman Mohd Sobri Saleh (PN–Permatang Berangan) had recently acknowledged improvements in the river following months of state-led interventions. Sobri even proposed a community feast along the riverbank next year, reflecting confidence in the ongoing restoration.
While acknowledging past waste management failures, H’ng rejected Wan Saiful’s suggestion to transition pig farmers into alternative livelihoods, comparing it to past tobacco farmer assistance programs, arguing it was merely a soft route to shutting down the sector.
"Shutting down the entire industry is not the solution," H'ng said. "We are prepared to acknowledge shortcomings and find solutions rather than eliminate the industry altogether."
He emphasised the industry's economic importance to agricultural supply chains and outlined ongoing state measures, including mandatory technology upgrades, stricter effluent discharge controls, and time for farmers to meet higher compliance standards.
H’ng extended an open invitation for Wan Saiful to tour Sungai Kereh alongside him to assess progress based on facts and data rather than politics.
Also present were Penang DAP backbenchers Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Wong Yuee Harng, Chee Yeeh Keen, Teh Lai Heng, Ong Ah Teong, and Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
