Wan Saiful urges Penang government to address environmental concerns at Kampung Selamat pig farms immediately
PETALING JAYA: A parliamentarian has called on Penang’s state leadership to take immediate action regarding environmental concerns linked to pig farming operations in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor.
Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the Tasek Gelugor MP who was recently removed from Bersatu, has criticised the DAP-led administration for what he perceives as insufficient action on a problem affecting his constituents for many years.
The lawmaker pointed to recent pig farming controversies in Selangor as examples the state government should study when addressing comparable situations in Penang.
According to Wan Saiful, residents have complained about unpleasant smells and waterway contamination originating from these agricultural facilities for an extended period, with no lasting resolution implemented.
In a Facebook statement, the MP emphasised that the impact extends beyond Kampung Selamat itself. He noted that the odor can be detected in neighboring communities, including Bertam where he lives.
Drawing from comments made by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Wan Saiful agreed with the monarch’s view that elected officials should experience living conditions near such facilities to better comprehend their effects on local populations.
He challenged Penang state executive council members to go beyond conducting short inspections, suggesting they should spend time residing near Kampung Selamat rather than developing policies remotely from George Town offices.
The parliamentarian stated he has consistently brought this matter before the national legislature and has engaged with both affected community members and farm operators, pressing the latter to cease environmentally harmful practices.
Wan Saiful asserted that he believes he is the first Tasek Gelugor representative to personally tour these farming facilities. However, he questioned whether his individual efforts matter if the state administration lacks resolve.
He also raised concerns about whether the government was placing industry interests above residential welfare, particularly noting that most nearby residents are Malay Muslims who find the proximity to pig farming operations distressing.
