Kuching: Sarawak is ready to scale up its export of live pigs to Selangor following the recent decision by the Sultan of Selangor to prohibit pig farming in the state. Sarawak's Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom stated that the state has already been exporting live pigs to Selangor since last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Rundi expressed openness to supplying live pigs to other states that wish to import. He emphasized the state's current pig farming infrastructure, which includes a mix of smallholder and modern pig farms. Notably, Sarawak houses three large modern pig farms situated in Simunjan, Ensengei, and Selangau.

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has not granted permission for pig farming within any district in Selangor, citing potential pollution risks that could negatively impact local communities. His Royal Highness's private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, explained that pig farming could result in air pollution from foul odours and contamination of river water sources due to animal waste discharge.

Mohamad Munir further noted the Sultan's recommendation for the Selangor government to consider issuing pork import licences to cater to the needs of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community. This approach could address the pig farming issue while enabling the Selangor government to optimise land use for development and housing.