State agrotechnology and food safety committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has referred the pig farm operators to court while waiting for the Penang Pig Farming Enactment 2020 to be enforced next year.

“Through the enactment, the local authority can demolish pig farms that do not adhere to regulations, including dumping waste into the river,” she said when wrapping up her debate on the Supply Bill and the motion on the 2021 Development Estimates during the state assembly sitting at Dewan Sri Pinang today.

She said while waiting for the new law to take effect from Jan 1, 2021, the state government had, along with various agencies, taken several measures to solve river pollution problems due to the discharge of sewage from pig farms.

“Among them is the cooperation with the department of irrigation and drainage (DID) to set traps in the drains so that waste from pig farms does not directly go into the river. In addition, we are also working with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to dispose of the pig waste, including converting it for use in the biogas industry,” she said.

Norlela said the enactment also stipulates that pig farm operators were required to upgrade their farms and ensure that the farms have sufficient area for sewage ponds.

She said so far 112 applications were received to build pig farms.

Meanwhile, Norlela said although the number of pig farms had reduced in the state, the number of animals bred had increased.

“The number of pigs did not decrease even though there are fewer farms now. Some 60% of pig farms are operating in excess capacity, that is why it has an impact on those applying for a license.

“This is because they (applicants) have to follow the conditions set by the veterinary department by taking into consideration the size and area of a farm, ” she said.

The assembly sitting continues tomorrow.