[UPDATED] Sultan of Selangor disagrees with move to extend pig farming in Tanjong Sepat

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed deep disappointment and disagreement with the Selangor government’s decision to allow pig farming operations to continue in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, from this year, ahead of their proposed relocation to Bukit Tagar in 2030.

In a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office today, the Sultan said he viewed the decision seriously, particularly amid concerns that it could involve large-scale pig farming with an export-oriented focus.

While acknowledging the need for small-scale, controlled pig farming to meet the food requirements of the Chinese and non-Muslim communities in Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin said large-scale operations were inappropriate, insensitive and inconsistent with the state’s demographic reality, where the majority of the population comprised Malay Muslims.

The Ruler said he did not agree with the proposal to designate Kuala Langat as a temporary pig farming site before relocation to Bukit Tagar, warning that pollution problems that have plagued the area for the past 16 years could worsen.

“It is unreasonable for an issue that has persisted for more than a decade to be allowed to recur on a larger scale,” the Sultan said.

He also voiced concern over Kuala Langat, which is home to a large Malay population, noting that longstanding issues linked to pig farming in the area have yet to be fully resolved since 2010.

Residents, he said, have endured persistent foul odours, river pollution and fly infestations, affecting their quality of life and public health.

Quoting Surah Al-An’aam verse 145, Sultan Sharafuddin reiterated that pork is considered impure in Islam, stressing the sensitivity of the matter for the Muslim community.

He further pointed out that Istana Pantai Bahagia, his official residence, is also located in Kuala Langat, adding that he has personally experienced and witnessed the odour pollution caused by pig farming activities in the area.

Sultan Sharafuddin also suggested that elected representatives live near pig farming areas, such as Kuala Langat, to experience first-hand the conditions faced by the surrounding community.

The Sultan also questioned whether the proposed large-scale pig farming project involved the interests of certain politicians or business groups, raising concerns over possible corruption, conflicts of interest or governance lapses in the planning and approval process.

Recalling previous state initiatives to study modern pig farming practices overseas, Sultan Sharafuddin noted that the high cost of modernisation was reportedly beyond the capacity of farmers, prompting him to question whether the new proposal would be fully funded by the state government.

He said such funds would be better channelled towards public needs such as schools and hospitals.

Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that he was not entirely opposed to the project, but said comprehensive and rational market studies must be conducted before any final decision is made.

“Economic development must not come at the expense of public well-being, environmental sustainability and social harmony in Selangor,” he said.

He also reminded the state government to act with integrity, transparency and responsibility, and to prioritise the interests of the people above all else.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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