Malaysia’s Selangor state to fast-track pig farm relocation

Mr Izham brief Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on measures to prevent pollution around pig farms.

The Sultan acknowledged the importance of pig farming for food security among non-Muslim communities but stressed the need to avoid environmental harm.

Earlier in January, authorities permitted temporary operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat. However, the Sultan warned this could worsen pollution in the district.

Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state will enforce stricter operational requirements to improve waste management and reduce drainage impacts.

New standards for pig farming

Mr Izham outlined conditions for future pig oeprations:

• ✅ Farming must take place in closed spaces.
• ✅ Operators must maintain buffer zones.
• ✅ Zero discharge into drains and rivers is required.

The relocation plan involves a 202-hectare site in Bukit Tagar, which also houses a landfill.

Industry challenges and recovery

Pig farming discussions in Selangor date back to 2007 but were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the African swine fever outbreak in 2025.

Licenses for pig farms lapsed in June 2025, but farmers were invited to apply for new permits. 

Currently, there are about 111 legal farms and one illegal farm slated for legalization.

Three farms near the Negri Sembilan border must relocate to Tanjong Sepat while bukit Tagar is being prepared.

At its peak, Selangor had 250,000 pigs. The number has since dropped to about 100,000 due to disease outbreaks.