Opposition MP Kalam Salan has called on the government to stop pig farming in Malaysia and rely solely on pork imports to meet the needs of the local non-Muslim community.
No Suitable Location for Farms
The Bersatu MP for Sabak Bernam told the Dewan Rakyat during the debate on the royal address that pig farming faces resistance from residents no matter where it is sited.
He pointed out that objections arise whether farms are planned for Kuala Langat, Bukit Pelanduk, Benut or even a Chinese New Village.
“There is no need to rear pigs locally. Just import pork. Singapore has a larger pork-consuming population but chooses not to rear pigs domestically, and that is the safer option,” he said.
Kalam cited Singapore as a practical example of avoiding domestic farming while still meeting demand through imports.
Recent Selangor Reversal
His remarks come after the Selangor government last week abandoned its proposal to centralise pig farming in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
The decision followed criticism from the Selangor sultan and advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Menteri besar Amirudin Shari described the backlash as premature since no formal submission had been made for the Bukit Tagar site.
He added that the state will no longer announce possible alternative locations until a final decision is reached.
Focus on Management, Not the Animal
Kalam stressed that the core issue is not the presence of pigs but the poor management of farms that leads to pollution and odour problems.
He shared a personal example from his own orchard, noting that even when 15 to 20 wild boars enter, they do not create a stench when the surroundings are properly kept.
“As a Muslim, I respect Malaysia’s cultural and religious diversity,” he said.
“I may feel like eating pork, monitor lizards or snakes as a Malaysian, but my religion forbids it, so I refrain. Yet my faith has never taught me to insult others who consume these foods.”
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