In Malaysia’s most populous state, Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has drawn a firm line, declaring that pig farming will no longer be permitted anywhere within its borders. In a statement, he emphasized that the practice has caused environmental damage, social unease, and discomfort among residents.
His decree quickly shifted the spotlight to pollution, with foul odors and contaminated rivers becoming symbols of the wider community’s frustration.
Pollution, protest, and public unease
Across Selangor, the debate has spilled into daily life, as residents raise their voices against odors, waste, and polluted waterways. The Sultan stressed that these problems affect peace and harmony in society.
He noted that modern farming methods could reduce pollution but remain costly and impractical for operators serving only Selangor. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that contamination of rivers and water catchments could be fully prevented.
Key concerns raised include:
- ✅ Air pollution from foul odors.
- ✅ Water contamination from pig waste.
- ✅ Limited land resources and high property values.
- ✅ Social unease among residents near proposed farms.
Imports over farms: A cleaner solution
Rather than prolonging the conflict, the Sultan pointed to a cleaner path forward: importing pork to meet demand without disrupting communities.
He added that Selangor’s land should be used for more productive purposes such as housing and development. Large-scale or small-scale pig farming, he argued, is unsuitable given the state’s limited land and high property values.
Policy turns: From pig farms to pork imports
His stance aligned with the Prime Minister’s call to cancel the Bukit Tagar project, marking a decisive turn in state policy. The Prime Minister also stressed that farms should not be located near residential areas or sites that could spark controversy.
Bukit Tagar, a Malay settlement and Felda area, was identified as unsuitable due to expected opposition from locals and risks to nearby water sources.
Recently, the Selangor government cancelled plans to centralize pig farming in Bukit Tagar. Reports indicate that the state is phasing out existing farms, with only about 30 still operating in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, compared with 115 previously.
The Sultan underscored that pig farming must be halted decisively, urging all parties to respect his decree and safeguard Selangor’s unity, peace, and environmental integrity.