RESIDENTS in Hulu Selangor have welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s suggestion that the proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar be cancelled or relocated, but caution and uncertainty remain as the Selangor state government has yet to issue an official statement.
Deputy Chief of UMNO Hulu Selangor, Zulkarnain Abu Hanit, said the Prime Minister’s remarks offered some reassurance to residents who have long opposed the project, but stressed that the community would remain on alert until a formal decision is announced.
Speaking to Sinar Ahad, Zulkarnain said the proposal to relocate pig farms from Tanjung Sepat to Bukit Tagar had sparked widespread controversy among local residents and the wider public.
“As long as there is no official statement cancelling this proposal, I believe the people of Hulu Selangor will not truly feel relieved,” he said.
He added that peaceful demonstrations and public pressure would likely continue if no clear decision is made by the state government.
“The possibility of peaceful protests and pressure from residents, non-governmental organisations and even UMNO itself will continue until there is a cancellation decision from the Selangor government,” he said.
Zulkarnain also said the issue transcends party lines, with broad participation expected from various groups should demonstrations resume.
“If there is no decision or official statement from the Selangor government in the near future, the people of Hulu Selangor will bring this matter to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,” he said.
“There is a need to convey the views of the people and the position of UMNO Hulu Selangor to His Royal Highness, to express our anxiety and opposition regarding this decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, Felda Soeharto representative Datuk Mohd Khairudin Mohamad said residents were firmly opposed to any pig farming operations being developed at the proposed site.
“As a child of Felda Soeharto settlers, I do not see any positive impact at all if the pig farming project in Bukit Tagar is allowed to proceed,” he said.
“During the recent protest by residents, we all shared the same stance, which was to reject the project, and when the Prime Minister suggested that it be cancelled first or built in another area, we were genuinely happy,” he added.
Earlier, Anwar said he would hold discussions with Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to seek the best possible solution to the issue. The Prime Minister was speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau al-Amin, Section 8, Bandar Baru Bangi.
The Tambun Member of Parliament said the matter had also been discussed at a Cabinet meeting he chaired, following growing public unease in the affected areas.
Anwar said that even if the technology proposed for the project was of the highest standard, it should not proceed if it failed to take into account the concerns and grievances of local residents.
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