CEBU, PHILIPPINES May 8, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced he will seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to discuss tighter controls on pig farming in the state.
Speaking in Cebu during the ASEAN Summit, Anwar said the Sultan’s concerns about pollution and public health risks from the industry are valid, citing repeated “keterlanjuran” (transgressions) that have affected residents.
“Tuanku Sultan Selangor berkenan mengemukakan pandangan kerana apa yang berlaku sekarang terlalu banyak keterlanjuran, menjejaskan kesihatan awam dan kurang pengawalannya,” Anwar told reporters.
The Prime Minister stressed that, in principle, he does not support pig farming operations without strict oversight. Any new farms, he said, must be located far from all residential areas — including Chinese new villages where pork is consumed — and must adopt advanced technology to ensure zero impact on the environment, land, air, and water sources.
Anwar acknowledged that while the government respects the rights of pork consumers, it would be difficult to shut down farms that fully comply with these high standards. For the time being, he indicated the matter should be placed on hold pending further discussion with the Sultan.
The issue gained fresh attention after Sultan Sharafuddin issued a directive earlier this year prohibiting new pig farms across Selangor, citing concerns over contamination in a state with limited land resources. On Thursday, the Sultan reaffirmed his firm stance with a “Full Stop!” statement, calling for an end to discussions on expanding the industry.
The development comes amid ongoing sensitivities in Selangor, where pig farming supports non-Muslim communities but has sparked debates over environmental impact and community harmony in Malaysia’s most developed state.
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari previously confirmed the state government would implement the Sultan’s directive, halting the issuance of new licences.
Further details are expected after Anwar’s audience with the Sultan.
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