PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said pig farming should not be carried out in areas that cause unease among residents and that such activities must be away from residential communities.
He said residents should not be forced to live near pig farms, which could give rise to health, hygiene, and environmental issues.
"If there is no suitable site in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, then there isn’t. We should not create problems
“I agree with the view that it should not continue in areas that cause unease among residents. If it is to proceed, find alternative locations that are far away," he said during the National Unity Ministry monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
He explained that negative attitudes can arise when people become closed-minded, focusing only on their own group and ignoring others.
Anwar emphasised that governing a country is complex and solutions should not come through anger, insults, or hostility.
The prime minister was commenting on the recent controversy over the proposal to centralise Selangor pig farming activities in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
On January 26, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the state government has agreed to postpone the project to explore alternative plans.
Sharing his experience, Anwar recalled how his Chinese neighbours in Penang previously had similarly objected to pig farming near their homes due to pollution.
“In fact, I don't agree that there is pig farming near my residential area in Sungai Long. I am not against non-Muslims eating pork, but I cannot tolerate the smell (of the farms)."
“We must respect the rights of those who consume pork, just as they must respect our right to ensure suitable areas are protected," added Anwar. – February 9, 2026
