Penang steps up efforts to tackle pollution from Kg Selamat pig farms

In an effort to combat sewage pollution emanating from pig farms at Kampung Selamat near Tasek Gelugor, the Penang government has implemented measures to compel all farms in the area to channel their wastewater into a biogas plant situated in Ampang Jajar. Local government committee chairman Hng Mooi Lye stated that this step is part of the state government's plan to prevent livestock farm sewage from being discharged into drains or rivers.

The issue was deliberated upon during a meeting with the state veterinary services department (DVS) and local assemblyman in April. Since May, each pig farm at Kampung Selamat has been mandated to transport their sewage waste to the biogas plant in Ampang Jajar, according to Hng who made these remarks after inaugurating SkyGate NHJ Technology Sdn Bhd in Perai.

The DVS carries out weekly monitoring of the farms' compliance, while complaints are investigated by its officers. Surprise inspections have also been conducted, but to date, no farms in the vicinity have been found discharging sewage directly into drains or rivers. However, Tasek Gelor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan has been advocating for urgent action to tackle the sewage pollution, which, he claims, has plagued residents for decades.

The MP is currently amassing scientific evidence of the pollution, including by conducting water samples in the Parit Cina area.

Wan Saiful has also highlighted the accumulation of sediment and sewage waste in drains in the area over the years, calling for a cleanup. The state government is contemplating this matter and intends to allocate funds for the irrigation and drainage department to undertake desilting work on the affected drains once the old waste is cleared.