IPOH: Pig farming system in Perak is to be improved, a switch from conventional to modern methods by the end of next year.
State Health, Consumer Affairs, National Integration and Human Resource Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a committee had been formed to manage all pig farms in the state.
“All farms must be equipped with a closed farming system by Dec 31 this year, but the Federal Government has now extended the period until 2021,” he said.
“However, we are not going to wait until 2021. If possible, we will resolve this issue by next year. I am taking this matter seriously and all related government departments must cooperate.
“For the farms which operate on government-owned land, we cannot collect a premium. As such, the state government will find a solution to help the farmers by holding a meeting with local councils.”
Sivanesan said this at a press conference after meeting with representatives from Perak Pig Farming Association at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today. Also present was the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) director, Dr Ahmad Shafri Hassan.
Sivanesan said to date there were 540,000 pigs in 115 farms at several districts in the state namely Kerian, Kinta, Kampar, Manjung, Batang Padang and Hilir Perak.
“A total of 57 out of the 115 farms have complied with the requirements set by the VSD. These 57 farms have transformed to the closed-house farm while 21 farms are still operating on government land and 34 on private land.
“Six of the 21 pig farms have sent applications to relocate their farms. We will recommend solutions after receiving feedback from the department for approval should they meet the criteria,” he said.
There are four criteria set by the department - closed farm system; zero waste sewage management system; a minimum distance of 200 meters from residential areas, school, clinic, and public amenities; practicing Good Farming Practices.
Earlier, the association handed over a mock cheque worth RM450,000 to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.