The Star 5 Aug 17;
JOHOR Baru: Johor, through the state Economic Planning Unit, is in the midst of identifying a suitable site for the modern pig farming zone and will relocate all the pig breeders in the state.
State agriculture and agro-based industry, entrepreneurship and cooperative development committee chairman Ismail Mohamed said the move was to facilitate the management of pig farms as well as prevent pollution and other sensitive issues related to the animal from occurring.
“Prior to this, we identified a suitable area but recently we learned that the area would be used as a water catchment area so we have to find a new and suitable location.
“To date, we have 47 licensed breeders with a total of 266,940 pigs and the state government intends to combine all these breeders under a consortium and move them to a special location.”
He said this after opening the Pig Farming Industry Consultative Programme 2017 here.
Ismail said the cost of implementation would only be known after the establishment of the consortium.
He said currently there were 10 pig farming areas under the close watch of the Veterinary Services Department following complaints from the public, including those in Kluang and Batu Pahat.
He said the department had ordered those concerned to improve conditions at the farms.
“We will make sure these breeders follow guidelines and are able to keep the environment clean for the well-being of the people in the surrounding areas.
“Legal action will be taken if they breach the Rearing of Pigs Enactment of Johor 1975 and the Licensing Regulations 1977, where they will be liable to a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction,” he said.
Ismail said the modern pig farming zone (enclosed farming) would have a zero-sewage system and a buffer zone of at least 200 metres from residential areas, schools, places of worship and other public facilities, as well as practice good animal husbandry practices.
Most of the pork produced in Johor are for the state’s own consumption and exported to Singapore, priced at RM10 to RM18 per kilogramme. — Bernama
