SAM supports Penang State Government’s action against non-compliant pig farmers

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Waste from the pig farm in Valdor | Image: © SAM

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) welcomes and supports the Penang State Government’s  firmness and proposed action against pig farm operators who do not comply with the Pig Breeding Enactment 2016, as this has caused water pollution and odor.  

It was reported that starting January 2022, the state government will close operations and demolish pig farms that do not comply with licensing conditions. This measure is most effective in solving the problem of environmental pollution from pig farms. In addition to polluting the drains, rivers, sea and the surrounding areas, pig farm operations that violate the rules have caused nuisance to nearby residents and the public.

State Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development, and Health Committee chair YB Dr. Norlela Arifin was reported by Bernama on 11 April 2022 stating that “among the main criteria to be complied with by pig farm operators are a closed farming system and has wastewater/sewage management system”.

YB Dr. Norlela Ariffin added, “Many farm operators do not take heed to the conditions. We need our rivers to be clean if we are to rely on them as a source of water.”

This matter needs to be given serious attention by the relevant authorities because what was stated by YB Dr. Norlela is substantial based on our past survey findings which found a number of pig farm operations are not complying with the standards and conditions that have been set.

Pig waste that has been filled up a small drain in Sungai Jawi | Image: © SAM

Some pig farm operators were found to arbitrarily discharge untreated sewage, wastewater into the existing drainage thus emitting a very unpleasant odor. Such problems have occurred in several hot spots such as Kampung Selamat, Gertak Sanggul, Valdor, Simpang Ampat and Sungai Jawi.  

For instance the recent case of water pollution and foul odor allegedly caused by pig farm operation in Gertak Sanggul. The Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) had responded to this matter and requested the state authorities to investigate and take appropriate actions. 

Thus, the Penang state government’s announcement that stern action will be taken is lauded  and we support such action for a clean environment.  We also urge the relevant authorities such as the Department of Veterinary Services, Department of Environment, Seberang Perai City Council, Penang Island City Council to take stern action against pig farmers who do not comply with the law.

Meenakshi Raman
President

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah satu badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang telah sekian lama berjuang mempertahan kelestarian alam. Ia juga mendidik masyarakat tentang pentingnya kebersamaan dalam pemikiran dan tindakan agar alam ini dapat kita wariskan kepada generasi hadapan dalam keadaan yang elok dan terpelihara. Dalam pada itu juga SAM giat membantu golongan nelayan pantai dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka sehinggalah tertubuhnya Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING). Nelayan pantai sepenuh masa ini dididik oleh SAM sehingga mereka mampu memainkan peranan sebagai pemimpin nelayan yang meneruskan kesinambungan memperjuangkan hak-hak nelayan pantai lainnya. Sebagai contoh SAM telah berjaya menyedarkan masyarakat nelayan keperluan menjaga hutan paya bakau untuk kebaikan hasil tangkapan nelayan itu sendiri.
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Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan nasib masyarakat luar bandar khasnya. SAM menerima aduan-aduan masyarakat dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi. SAM telah mewujudkan ramai aktivis-aktivis sosial dan alam sekitar. Pada era 1980 dan 90an SAM sangat dihormati oleh masyarakat dan agensi kerajaan. Apabila media sosial menguasai maklumat maka SAM pun terkesan dan masalah masyarakat terus disalurkan dengan pelbagai cara. SAM perlu mewujudkan aktivis-aktivis pelapis yang muda untuk terus membantu masyarakat. SAM juga perlu membuat perubahan supaya banyak turun kelapangan dan jangan mengharapkan laporan media sahaja. Tingkatkan prestasi sebagaimana pada zaman kegemilangan SAM di era 80-90an.
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Sahabat Alam Malaysia
Sahabat Alam Malaysia - Member of Friends of the Earth International

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

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