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.
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
