TAMPARULI – Two pig farms blamed for air and water pollution here have been warned to immediately rectify the situation or risk being fined by the authorities.
Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the pig farmers have been told to improve their waste management systems following complaints from nearby villagers that waste from the pig farms was finding its way into the river.
During a visit to Ladang GreenFarm Trading and Ladang Jadima here yesterday, Jeffrey said farmers are responsible for ensuring their farms are not a nuisance to their neighbours.
“The industry must be supported because our ministry is all about food production. But, at the same time, the situations must be improved. Even standing here now, the stench is unbearable. I can only imagine what the villagers must endure every day,” he said.
Jeffrey said the problem lies with the farms’ waste systems, where ponds will overflow during heavy rain, carrying the smelly waste into nearby streams and, eventually, the main river.
Only a few days ago, the river turned black and smelled foul, with villagers blaming the incident squarely on the pig farms.
With both farms having the minimal number of water ponds to treat waste, Jeffrey said the problem can easily be resolved by reducing the number of livestock and using the available land to build more ponds.
“It is about responsible farming and not about profit only. Another short-term solution would be to engage septic pumper trucks whenever any of the waste ponds are close to being filled. This is a responsible way of managing waste instead of dumping the excess into the river.
“This must be done immediately. There is no need to wait until another complaint is lodged before the pig farmers scramble for ways to appease their neighbours.
“The Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has already advised both owners. If they still fail to abide by standard operating procedures (SOPs), they could be fined by the Environment Protection Department (EPD) or ordered to cease operations by the local authorities.”
However, he said his ministry, through the DVS, will continue to monitor the situation, not only at the two pig farms in Tamparuli but across Sabah, to ensure the farmers keep pollution to the minumum.
According to the ministry’s record, Sabah swine husbandry industry is worth around RM200 million annually and produces about 95% of the state’s needs.
There are in total 42 registered pig farms across the state.
Jeffrey said in the future, the government will streamline the industry by centralising it in one area only.
“We already have 202ha land in Tongod to be gazetted for pig farming. Sabah needs to have a major centre for pig farming. This centre will use modern pig farming technology that is being used all over the world.
“It will provide the best possible environment for raising, feeding, housing and caring for pigs throughout all stages of their lives. More importantly, the centre will ensure pollution is kept at a mimimum." – The Vibes, December 5, 2020
