Wan Saiful urges Putrajaya to consider shutting pig farms, says imported pork ‘safer’, may be cheaper

Opposition lawmaker Wan Saiful Wan Jan today urged the federal government to consider shutting down pig farms nationwide, as Putrajaya reviews the industry chain. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 19 Oct 2026 4:19 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Oct 19 — Opposition lawmaker Wan Saiful Wan Jan today urged the federal government to consider shutting down pig farms nationwide, as Putrajaya reviews the industry chain.

According to Malaysiakini, the Wawasan Negara vice president said any approach must avoid racial or religious sensitivities and instead focus on practical concerns such as pollution, public welfare and sustainability.

“Personally, I feel it would not be excessive for me to propose that the federal government consider whether it is appropriate for Malaysia to continue having large pig farms when pork supplies can be obtained through imports, as done in Singapore. 

“In fact, imported pork may be cheaper than that farmed in Malaysia,” he was quoted as saying in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Wan Saiful added that pig farming in Malaysia was likely to face opposition from local residents regardless of location, describing Singapore’s reliance on imports as a “safer” approach. 

His remarks echoed a proposal made in January by Kalam Salan (PN Sabak Bernam), who similarly called for pig farming operations to cease and for pork to be imported to meet local demand.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu had in March announced a comprehensive study of the sector, covering legal, technical, economic and social aspects. 

The minister also disclosed that 121 of the 355 registered pig farms nationwide have already adopted modern systems, including closed house and zero discharge models.