ALOR GAJAH: Pig farmers in Paya Mengkuang here have been given one year to switch from conventional to modern farming or face the risk of shutdown.
State Agriculture and Entrepreneurial Development committee chairman Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman said the decision was made after the state government considered the predicament faced by other business sectors in the area, including putting an end to the long-standing pollution issue.
"Following complaints of pollution caused from pig farming activities over the years from chalet operators, fishermen and eateries, it is time for the state government to tackle the issue of pollution once and for all.
"By end of 2018, swine farmers must switch from their conventional pig farming to modern pig farming method," he said.
Hasan said failure to do so would risk the farmers having to shut down their operations.
"Pig farmers must find means to switch to modern farming or co-partner with other farmers who can afford to do so. Otherwise, we suggest they switch to other forms of business.
"Using green pig modern farming method has been proven able to reduce pollution and provide a win-win situation for all businesses," he said.
Hasan said the recent state executive council meeting also approved Pig Farm Licensing Act 2017, which would require pig farmers in the state to be licenced.
"Bear in mind that we are not punishing the operators. We still allow pig farming but we want to make sure that operators adhere to specifications set so that they do not cause further pollution.
"If not regulated, we fear that pollution can become worse, especially in areas about one nautical mile of the sea." he said.