Sultan of Selangor opposes pig farming, urges pork importation, as state phases out farms to protect environment and community harmony.
PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has made it clear that he does not consent to or approve of pig farming in any district within the state.
In a statement issued through the Selangor Royal Office, His Royal Highness said pig farming can cause air pollution from foul odours and contaminate rivers through the discharge of pig manure and waste.
Instead, he suggested that the government consider granting licenses for the importation of pork to meet the demand of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community in Selangor.
“This approach would not only resolve the long-standing issue of pig farming but also allow the state government to optimise land use for other purposes, such as development and housing.
“Large-scale or small-scale pig farming is also unsuitable in Selangor due to limited land resources and high property values, which should instead be used for more economically productive purposes that benefit the wider community,” the statement said.
The Sultan’s statement follows the Prime Minister’s announcement on Jan 23, suggesting that the Selangor State Government cancel the proposed large-scale pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
The matter was also discussed during an audience between the Prime Minister and the Sultan on Feb 8.
In his address on Feb 9, the Prime Minister reiterated that he did not support pig farming in areas opposed by local residents or locations that could spark controversy, adding that the project should not proceed if no suitable sites exist in Selangor.
The Sultan highlighted that the Bukit Tagar project – a Malay settlement and Felda area – would face strong opposition from the local community.
“Even if air and water pollution could be managed using modern farming methods, such methods require significant expenditure and are unlikely to be financially viable for operators farming solely to supply pork in Selangor.
“Furthermore, there is no guarantee that modern farming would not pollute water catchments and rivers that serve as clean water sources for the Klang Valley population.”
His Royal Highness stressed that the pig farming issue should be halted and concluded, as it raises public concern and threatens peace and harmony.
All parties are urged to respect the Sultan’s decree and work together to maintain unity and harmony in the state.
Recently, the Selangor government cancelled its plans to centralise the state’s pig farming industry in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, following advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Reports also indicate that the state is actively phasing out pig farms, with just over 30 farms still operating in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, compared with 115 previously.