By Fuad Nizam
KUALA LUMPUR: Pig farm operators in Ayer Kuning, Perak, have complied with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, as such, the opposition's proposal for improvements related to the matter was no longer relevant.
"That is an old site, and the operators have held valid licences for a long time.
"(Why is it that) when they chaired the agriculture committee, there was no effort to implement these so-called improvements?
"So, I believe their suggestions are no longer relevant, as the operators are already in compliance with the SOP set by the Agriculture (and Food Security) Ministry," he told reporters when met at the Armed Forces Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration here.
Previously, the issue of pig farms was raised by Perikatan Nasional (PN) as part of its campaign, expressing concern over the presence of such facilities in the predominantly Malay area of Ayer Kuning.
Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad had claimed there were 30 approved and licensed pig farms in the two districts, and the actual number could be higher due to the existence of unlicensed farms.
Meanwhile, when asked about his confidence in BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Zahid who is also the deputy prime minister said he hoped voters of all races would support the candidate.
"I will be in Ayer Kuning tomorrow from morning until night. We will do our utmost to ensure that the seat remains in Barisan Nasional's hands," he said.
The Ayer Kuning state by-election will see a three-way fight between Mohamad Yusri, Abdul Muhaimin Malek of PN, and Bawani KS from Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
It is being held following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, who suffered a heart attack after participating in a friendly football match in Penang on Feb 22.
Source : oppositions-proposal-irrelevant-ayer-kuning-pig-farms-comply-sop-says