September 5, 2007

Malaysian state carries out pig culling despite protests
 

Authorities in Malacca, a state in Malaysia have started culling pigs Wednesday (Sept 4) in various districts in response to public complaints of environmental pollution.

The pig industry was supposed to reduce the pig population in the state to 48,000 from the current 148,000 by Sept 21. Designated areas for pig farming would be cut from the former four districts to just one in the state. The pigs would either be moved to another state or culled. Reuters news agency reported that about 50,000 pigs were culled.

Malacca police chief SAC 1 Datuk Mortadza Nazarene said the operation, which began at 2 a.m in the morning went on smoothly despite protests from pig farmers who blocking roads leading to the farms.

The pig farms have been stinking up the place for more than 50 years, he added.

According to Mortadza, authorities have asked farmers to move the pigs out but they have refused. Pig farmers from affected farms say the 30-day eviction notice was unfair. The Malacca Pig Farmers Association said the industry should not be penalized just because of the actions of a few. 

The pigs from various farms were shot and buried in large holes, chemicals were spread over the carcasses to mask the stench and prevent diseases, he added.

Police got through even though almost 100 villagers were blocking the roads to the farms. Riot police later manned the roads leading to the pig farms and the operation did not disrupt the daily of chores of the villagers, according to local media.

Pig rearing in the state had become a major issue as the population went up and the stench from pig farms became worse, authorities said.

Malaysia has a Muslim-majority whose religion forbids the eating of pork. Authorities have been careful to avoid the issue being cast in religious or racial overtones.