Pig farm project ‘on hold first’ because of past excesses, says PM
Anwar Ibrahim says it would be difficult for the government to reject an application by companies capable of meeting strict conditions
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking at a press conference after attending the Asean summit in Cebu, the Philippines. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says a proposed pig farming operation in Selangor had to be “put on hold first” in the wake of complaints over the location of pig farms arising from repeated excesses in the past.
Speaking after the Asean summit in the Philippines, Anwar said the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had voiced his views because “what is happening now involves too many excesses that are affecting public health and are not being properly controlled”.
Anwar reiterated his previous positions that pig farming operations must adopt modern technology, provide assurances that no environmental pollution will occur, and “the farms must be located far away from residential areas”. In principle, he did not agree “with pig farming being allowed just anywhere” without strict regulation.
“If there are companies capable of meeting these strict conditions, then it would be difficult for the government to reject their applications outright,” he said. “That is why, for the time being, let us put this matter on hold first.”
In January, the sultan had criticised the state government’s plan to allow a pig farming operation in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, beginning this year, prior to relocation in 2030 to a 202-hectare centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, that was intended to manage environmental waste through a closed farming system.
Speaking after the Asean summit in the Philippines, Anwar said the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had voiced his views because “what is happening now involves too many excesses that are affecting public health and are not being properly controlled”.
Anwar reiterated his previous positions that pig farming operations must adopt modern technology, provide assurances that no environmental pollution will occur, and “the farms must be located far away from residential areas”. In principle, he did not agree “with pig farming being allowed just anywhere” without strict regulation.
“If there are companies capable of meeting these strict conditions, then it would be difficult for the government to reject their applications outright,” he said. “That is why, for the time being, let us put this matter on hold first.”
In January, the sultan had criticised the state government’s plan to allow a pig farming operation in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, beginning this year, prior to relocation in 2030 to a 202-hectare centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor, that was intended to manage environmental waste through a closed farming system.
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It's not easy being the PM when he as a Muslim has to handle "delicate" issues like 'pig farming' in a multiracial society, and especially when the State's Sultan defiantly (and unconstitutionally) voiced his royal 'NO' to any consideration of such a concept.
Should a Malay-Muslim PM go against Malay Royalty on a 'haram' issue, and indirectly allow non-constitutional pronouncement to pass by without any correction? Poor Anwar, but I have to say, with his explanations (above), he has done quite well, tip-toeing through the "royal versus constitutional" tulips rather niftily. PMX has put on hold a delicate matter, assuaging the 'what-is-considered-haram' component of Malaysian society and placating as well as reminding Royalty that constitutional matters require more thoughts. Well done PMX!!! Yes, Anwar at times deserves praises and not just caustic criticisms.
On another issue, I know HRH is a much loved person and wonder whether he has been 'batu-api-rised' into making such a heart-breaking pronouncement.
Aiyah, let the unnecessary dust settled lah, and may we have peace in our nation again.
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