EXPERTS: SELANGOR’S FULL IMPORT OF PORK A GREENER OPTION

By Siti Baaqiah Mamat

SHAH ALAM, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Selangor’s decision to fully import pork to meet state demand is viewed by experts as a more sustainable approach to environmental preservation compared with continuing local pig farming, even under strict controls.

President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) S. Piarapakaran said the move reduces risks to water sources, as the state’s geography and interconnected drainage systems make large-scale pig farms a high pollution risk.

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“Selangor is a developed state but lacks quality raw water. Its interconnected drainage and river systems mean uncontrolled farms can cause serious odour and water pollution. Considering population density and water scarcity, this decision is a more sustainable option,” he told Bernama today.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government agreed that pork requirements be fully imported, in line with the directive of Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, with production and import licensing subject to federal approval.

With 70 per cent of Selangor’s pork already imported from other states, the move aims to address public concerns over environmental impacts.

Piarapakaran, who is also chief executive officer of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability (CWES), cited past pollution cases, including Tanjong Sepat, which affected downstream rivers and coastal ecosystems.

He added that the Department of Environment (DOE) regularly lists pig farms as major contributors to water pollution, and stressed that any farm closures should be accompanied by recovery measures prioritising the treatment and rehabilitation of waste ponds to restore groundwater and treated effluent.

“Monitoring of rivers and coastal areas is essential to track recovery, and treated waste must be disposed of appropriately,” he said.

Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the policy aligns with the National Environment Policy, which emphasises sustainable development, responsible resource management and strict environmental standards.

“As a developing nation, we should have a modern, efficient livestock industry tightly regulated with strict food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability standards. In reality, these standards have yet to be fully achieved,” he said.

He also cautioned that a full switch to imported pork could pose food security risks, as the issue is not just supply adequacy but excessive dependence.

“Moving to 100 per cent imports could expose the state to supply chain shocks and price volatility,” he added.

Zainal Ariffin called for strengthened disease monitoring, citing past seizures of smuggled pork and pig carcasses.

He urged the State Health Department, Veterinary Services Department (DVS) and Malaysia Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) to enhance random sampling at cold storage facilities and verify veterinary documentation, particularly for imports from high-risk countries.

He added that Selangor could push for recognition of Modern Pig Farming certification under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, prioritising imports from countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and European Union members with high animal welfare standards and disease-free status.

-- BERNAMA