Skip to content
Sahabat Alam Malaysia
  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • BMBM
  • Donate
  • Archive

The hidden side of factory farming

  • Publication Date | February 12, 2015
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Forests & Biodiversity
  • Issues | Animal Welfare
  • Tags | European Union, factory farming, free-range, livestock, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1953
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
PDF

Meat consumption has grown sharply along with the rising prosperity of developing countries.  As a result of this, large scale livestock farming is now widespread throughout the region.  However, an increasing number of people are becoming concerned with the conditions the animals are raised and how they are being treated.

The ideal form of animal farming is free-range, where the animals are allowed to live their lives to the fullest in the best conditions before slaughter. Nevertheless, with the ever increasing demand for meat, free – range farming is not an option for most farmers as this method requires open pastures and more land space.  Therefore farmers opt for  factory farming where animals are kept in cramped spaces with no room for movement – cannot even stand or spread their wings,  continue to  lay in their own faeces and urine,  are not exposed to outdoor air or sunlight, are cruelly handled, injected with hormones and antibiotics and short lifespan as animals are slaughtered as soon as they are ready for the market.  Furthermore, they have the potential of exposure to various viruses and bacteria via the manure and urine in their environment. 

Such conditions severely affect the physiological and psychological state of the animals being farmed.  Physically, animals are prevented from displaying their natural behaviour such as walking, stretching their limbs, dust-bathing and other natural behaviours. Psychologically, animals in factory farms are frustrated, bored and distresses as is shown by their  repetitive and /or self-destructive actions.  This clearly violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1953 (Revised 2006)  which requires animals confined to cages be provided with reasonable space for movement.   

Animals confined under such stressful conditions are prone to attack each other, therefore to prevent injuries, they are de-beaked, de-horned and  tails docked.  Piglets are bound to suffer from shock because painkilling medicines are not used in these operations.  

Another area of deep concern is the transportation of these farmed animals, which is one of the most stressful activities forced onto them.  Animals are crowded into trucks and lorries, and chickens packed tightly into plastic crates, stacked high on top of each other and transported over many miles through extreme  weather conditions,  typically without food and water to the slaughterhouses.    

Animal welfare is an issue that is of increasing significance around the world.  Even so, the sad reality is that Malaysia is still far behind when it comes to the issue of  farm animals  because the priority is on commercial profits rather than  animal  welfare.  As expected, animal welfare will not receive the priority it deserves and can never live up to the expectations of  NGOs and animal welfare groups. 

In other countries changes have taken place.  For instance as of January 1, 2012, the European Union (EU) countries has banned the battery hen cages on the basis of unacceptable cruelty.  The law allows a 12 year  ‘phase out’ out period meant to allow egg farmers time to implement the transition away from battery cages.  Most farmers in the participating countries have opted for the enriched cages, with roomier enclosures that allow hens to stretch their wings, roost on an elevated platform and nest in a designated nesting area.  Others have barns or other free-range systems, but the law now clearly wants hens  to sit on their nests.  

In India, the Animal Welfare Board of India and most husbandry departments have advised all state governments and poultry farmers that battery cages should not be used and existing ones to be phased out by 2017. 

Cruelty towards animals in farming  is but a fraction of the gruesome reality.  It is high time the  Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry look into a Farm Animal Welfare Act   conforming to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act with requirements for best practices and continuance for changes in regulations with animal welfare being a strong driver for increased regulation.  Change is certainly needed not only for animals but for farmers who need to be able to plan with utmost priority on good animal welfare practices.  

S M Mohamed Idris  

President

Latest

Pollution & Extractives

How waste trade impacts us all

The following infographic paints a picture of how the waste trade impacts us all. Plastics overconsumption/overproduction manifests in an increased production of wastes.  The reality

Read More »
March 1, 2023
Pollution & Extractives

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) welcome the Malaysian government’s move in not giving in to the pressure by Lynas

Read More »
February 16, 2023
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

On 11.01.2023, we lost one of our very own former staff, Balakrishnan Nadeson, who succumbed to his illness. Balakrishnan, or rather Union Bala as we

Read More »
January 18, 2023
climate change, global warming, environment
Climate Change

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) wishes to respond to the recent statement by the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Brian Mcfeeters entitled ‘Partners in climate

Read More »
January 17, 2023

How waste trade impacts us all

  • Publication Date | March 1, 2023
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

  • Publication Date | February 16, 2023
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

  • Publication Date | January 18, 2023
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Development, General, Pollution, Toxics
Read more
climate change, global warming, environment

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

  • Publication Date | January 17, 2023
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Climate Change
Read more
Pollution & Extractives

How waste trade impacts us all

Read More »
March 1, 2023
Pollution & Extractives

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

Read More »
February 16, 2023
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

Read More »
January 18, 2023
climate change, global warming, environment
Climate Change

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

Read More »
January 17, 2023

Testimonials

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.
Jamaluddin Mohamad Bualik
Jamaluddin Mohamad BualikPersatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING)
During the 1980s, I used to read about the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) in the news. After retirement, some time in 2001, while lazing around, I read news about the construction of a carbon in leach plant using sodium cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman. My friends and I visited CAP and we were introduced to SAM and her legal team. We discussed the details of filing a case against the gold mining company and the department of environment with Ms Meenakshi Raman and her legal team. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between lawyers from SAM and many of us from Bukit Koman. We had many ups and downs in our struggle to shut down the gold mine that was causing a nuisance in our village. But, as a community we never gave up because SAM had our backs.
Hue Fui How
Hue Fui HowSecretary, Bukit Koman Ban Cyanide in Goldmining Action Committee (BCAC)
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.
Che Ani Mt Zain
Che Ani Mt Zain
SAM taught me the importance of social activism and the role it plays in upholding the rights of people and the protection of the environment. In my experience, SAM has never hesitated to speak up in defence of people and their environment, and has gone the extra mile to champion their rights, by helping communities take their battles to the higher ups and even to the courts.
Jessica Binwani
Jessica BinwaniPublic/Private Interest Lawyer
Semenjak kami kenal SAM, banyak pengalaman dan pengetahuan yg kami dapat. Kami telah belajar cara membuat baja asli daripada SAM. Semenjak itu, bermulalah minat kami dalam aktiviti pertanian. Dengan memperolehi kemahiran dalam membuat baja asli dan penanaman lestari, kami juga telah dapat menambahkan pendapatan sampingan kami. Ini lebih baik daripada tanah kami terbiar dan tidak diusahakan. Terima kasih SAM kerana sudi memberi bantuan dan tunjuk ajar kepada Persatuan kami.
Chedo Anak Nyuwen
Chedo Anak NyuwenPersatuan Penduduk Sg Buri, Bakong, Marudi
My journey with SAM started when her community organisers took me to the meet the paddy farmers of Kedah, connecting my growing interest in environmental law with our people who struggle to work the land in the face of pollution, replacement of traditional seeds with commercial hybrids and their accompanying chemical package of fertilisers and weedicides. I then had the honour to work with SAM in the struggle for the rights of the native communities of Sarawak, in defence of their forests from massive logging and destructive mega-projects. In every issue that SAM takes up, she combines rigorous research with the realities and voices of the communities to advocate for policies and laws that care for people and nature. From the courts to the elected legislators to policy makers and implementers and to the United Nations, SAM walks side by side with the communities in Malaysia. How can I not be inspired by the vision and passion of the generations of women and men who coalesce to form SAM?
Chee Yoke Ling
Chee Yoke Lingstudent of SAM, Executive Director of Third World Network, SAM’s sister organisation

Support our mission

Do your part for the environment with your donations. Each contribution enables our organisation to create more impact towards environmental justice.

Donate here

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

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

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

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Follow us here

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Copyright © 2023 Sahabat Alam Malaysia