KUALA LUMPUR – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed serious concerns over the state government’s decision to allow pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, from this year before relocating them to Bukit Tagar in 2030.
“His Royal Highness expressed deep disappointment and does not agree with the plan, particularly if it involves large-scale, export-oriented pig farming.
“While small and controlled pig farming may be accepted to meet the food requirements of the Chinese and non-Muslim communities in Selangor, large-scale operations are inappropriate, insensitive and not in line with Selangor’s demographic reality as a Muslim-majority state,” the state Ruler said in a statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook today.
The Sultan highlighted the long-standing environmental problems associated with pig farming in the area.
“Residents have long endured foul odours, river pollution and persistent fly problems, which have affected quality of life and public health,” he said, further pointing out that his own residence, Istana Pantai Bahagia, is located in Kuala Langat and that he has personally witnessed the impact of pollution from pig farming activities.
His Royal Highness said it was unreasonable for a problem that had persisted for more than a decade to be allowed to recur on a larger scale and urged elected representatives to consider living near pig farming areas to experience the impact first-hand.
Vested interests and corruption
The Sultan also raised concerns over the governance and planning of the project.
“His Royal Highness questioned whether the project involves vested interests of certain politicians or business figures and raised concerns over possible corruption, conflicts of interest or governance leakages in the planning and approval process,” the statement said.
He recalled that the state government previously sent representatives overseas to study modern pig farming, but the costs were reportedly too high for operators.
“The latest proposal must be carefully studied to ensure that public funds are not diverted from essential services such as schools and hospitals,” the statement added.
Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that he was not entirely opposed to the project but said comprehensive market studies and rational planning must be conducted before final decisions are made.
“Economic development should not come at the expense of public welfare, environmental sustainability and social harmony,” said the Sultan, concluding by urging the state government to act with integrity, transparency and responsibility, prioritising the interests of the people above all else. – January 10, 2026