FROM yesterday, closure notices have been issued to pig farms in Penang that have failed to comply with operating licence conditions despite already having been compounded.

State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said based on the Penang Veterinary Services Department’s records, 54 compounds have been issued this year.

“Also, 24 pig farms are in the process of voluntary closure. Besides that, one farm has been closed while another has vacated operations.

“If any farm receives a compound and yet still fails to comply with farming licence conditions, effective June 1, closure notices will be issued,” she said when replying to a question from Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PAS-Penaga) about pig farming enforcement at the Penang assembly sitting in George Town today.

In 2016, laws were passed for pig farms to operate with a closed system and with proper sewage management. 

To a question from Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN-Sg Dua) on the progress of the state’s closed system for pig farms, Dr Norlela said a total of 15 farms have fully upgraded to the current system.

She said 31 farms are halfway through their progress in updating to the current system, 22 are in the process of upgrading and 70 more have yet to do so.

Based on the Penang Structure Plan 2030, the largest pig farms in Penang are currently located in Kg Selamat in Tasek Gelugor, and in Valdor, both on the mainland. – Bernama, June 2, 2022.