SHAH ALAM, Feb 12: Selangor will stop issuing licenses for pig farming in the state, and the shut down of existing farms will be hastened, a statement issued by Menteri Besar Dato Seri Amiruddin Shari said, following a meeting of the State Executive Council today.
Seventy percent of pork supply for its consumers in the state comes from other states, and now the industry will source it totally from imports, the statement said.
The decision today is to uphold the decree made by Sultan of Selangor, Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who had expressed his discontent of having any pig farms in the state, the Menteri Besar said.
Among the reasons cited for the ban on pig farms, were public concerns on the impact to environment as well as water drainage and odour pollution.
He also said no more new licenses had been issued in January and that the focus now would be on closing existing farms in Kuala Langat, Tanjong Sepat in line with the Sultan’s decree in January.
The farms will be closed with cooperation from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department.
There was no mention in the statement of any aid or assistance to the existing operators of pig farms in the state, following the ban.
— WE