THE federal government is moving to address environmental pollution linked to pig farming, warning that failure to manage the issue responsibly could spill over into wider social tensions, particularly along racial and religious lines.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the ministry is in the process of formulating a comprehensive master plan for the pig farming industry, aimed at strengthening environmental governance and ensuring sustainable waste management practices.
He explained that the blueprint would include clear guidelines for industry players and promote the development of biogas power plants to manage livestock waste in a more responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
“I would like to thank Penang for taking the initiative to show us how to manage waste responsibly.
“This issue is fundamentally an environmental issue, and at its core it remains an environmental matter. However, if we do not manage it properly, it can turn into a social issue, and in the worst-case scenario it could trigger racial and religious tensions.
“It is crucial for all pig farmers and other industry players to learn from Penang’s experience in handling this matter,” he said after the pre-launch ceremony of the Kampung Valdor Biogas Project, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chan stressed that the government’s approach is not merely regulatory but preventive, seeking to avert broader societal discord by resolving environmental concerns at source.
On a related matter, he said Selangor’s comprehensive ban on pig farming activities is not expected to cause significant short-term disruption, noting that Malaysia’s current self-sufficiency level for pork stands at about 65 per cent.
Any immediate shortfall in domestic production, he said, could be addressed through imports to ensure market stability.
“However, in the long term, we must still ensure that the non-Muslim community in Malaysia can continue to enjoy their right to practise their culture, including access to their main source of protein,” he said.
The proposed master plan is expected to form part of a broader strategy to modernise the livestock sector while balancing environmental stewardship, food security and social harmony. - February 14, 2026
