The matter of pigs in Paya Mengkuang and other areas in Malacca should be dealt with objectively, devoid of emotions and sensitivities. Pig farming has been going on in this country for years without any problems, and it is quite unnecessary to make it an issue now.

In the first place the Government should consider it as a source of considerable revenue for the State and country. There is a great demand for pork in Singapore, where foreign exchange can be earned. What more with the Government’s emphasis on agricultural produce, all animal farming, including that of pigs, should be encouraged.

Granted that the Malacca State Government has been accommodating by giving, and even extending, the time for excess animals to be moved out. But where? Can land be allocated for this purpose? If not in Malacca, some agreement should be brokered with other States, where suitable, isolated land can be given, or even sold at minimal cost so that this lucrative business can carry on unhindered.

It is not fair to ask pig farmers to move their animals or get rid of them, without providing proper channels to do so. They stand to loose millions, and giving ultimatums without viable alternatives will not help.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture should consider allocating expenditure to the establishment of centralized, non-polluting pig farming. In the light of what has happened in Malacca, this has to be given some priority.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.