October 8, 2007

Malaysia's Melaka state to turn some pig farms into industrial zones

The government of Melaka state in Malaysia will convert some pig farms in Alor Gajah this week into industrial areas.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the move was aimed at overcoming the serious pollution to the environment because the pig farmers did not adhere to sanitary standards.

He ordered pig farmers at Bukit Beruang, Man Lok and Londang to vacate farms until December 31 while those at Paya Mengkuang are given until March 31 next year to reduce them to 48,000.

He said the decision to extend the deadline which ended today was reached at the special Cabinet committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak on Tuesday.

It was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister and MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Human Resource Minister and Alor Gajah MP Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn and Deputy Federal Territories Minister and Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop.