{
  "id": 18291792,
  "title": "Closed-house systems may not solve poultry pollution, says MP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/closed-house-systems-may-not-solve-poultry-pollution-says-mp-18291792",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T10:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/05/closed-house-systems-may-not-solve-poultry-pollution-says-mp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Malaysian MP warned that converting poultry farms to closed-house systems may not solve pollution problems and could harm small farmers. He cited poor farm management, particularly waste handling, as the main cause of pollution, regardless of whether chickens are raised in open or closed systems. During a debate on the 2027 budget allocation for the agriculture and food security ministry, Tan Hong Pin stated that closed-house systems do not guarantee pollution prevention if farms are not managed according to guidelines.\n\nTan highlighted the high costs of transitioning to closed-house facilities, estimating between RM55 and RM80 per bird, which could range from RM550,000 to RM800,000 for a shed housing 10,000 chickens. Those unable to secure financing before the transition period ends might be forced to close their operations, potentially leaving chicken production in the hands of a few large companies and increasing prices.\n\nHe also suggested that small farmers should be exempt from the requirement, and recommended a staged approach with assistance from state governments and local authorities. Meanwhile, another MP, Richard Rapu, proposed phasing out conventional open pig farms and transitioning to modern, centralized facilities with proper waste treatment and odor controls. He urged existing pig farmers to have a reasonable timeframe to upgrade their facilities, while those failing to comply should be barred from operation.",
  "summary": "Bakri MP Tan Hong Pin says forcing small poultry farmers to switch to closed-house systems may drive them out of business and push up chicken prices.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}