Wawasan Deputy President and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s call to shut down pig farms nationwide and replace local production with imported pork is an irresponsible overreaction that ignores economic realities, farmers’ livelihoods and Malaysia’s food security. A few problematic farms do not justify sacrificing an entire industry.
If certain pig farms cause environmental pollution, have inadequate wastewater treatment or breach hygiene standards, the authorities can enforce the law and require the operators concerned to rectify their shortcomings. Problems involving individual farms do not justify penalising an entire industry.
By the same logic, would Wan Saiful advocate shutting down all poultry farms because some cause pollution, or closing the cattle and goat farming industries because certain operators breach hygiene regulations?
Pig farming contributes significantly to the local economy, supporting farmers, workers, animal feed suppliers, transport operators, abattoirs, processors, wholesalers and retailers. In 2021, the industry generated approximately RM1.5 billion in output, accounting for 7.8% of Malaysia’s total livestock output.
Malaysia’s pork self-sufficiency rate stands at approximately 67.8%. In 2025, local production reached 115,284 tonnes against domestic demand of 213,928 tonnes. Further weakening local production would increase import dependence and expose consumers to international supply disruptions, animal disease outbreaks and export restrictions.
Wan Saiful’s argument that imported pork may be cheaper overlooks these long-term risks. Affordable imports offer little reassurance if foreign suppliers restrict exports or transportation is disrupted. Food security means more than being able to purchase food; it requires maintaining domestic production capacity and control over essential supplies.
MCA supports environmental protection and stringent enforcement of regulations. However, legitimate agricultural activities must not be judged through racial or religious considerations.
Where improvements are needed, the government can help farmers modernise facilities, strengthen wastewater treatment and adopt better environmental practices.
Address the problems, penalise violations and improve standards. Why shut down an entire industry because of the shortcomings of a few? The government has a responsibility to protect livelihoods, treat all industries fairly and safeguard Malaysia’s long-term food security.
TAN CHONG
MCA Agriculture Bureau Chairman
Bekok State Assemblyman
