GEORGE TOWN, Oct 21 — Clean-up works at Parit Cina and Sungai Kereh in Tasek Gelugor are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 to remove accumulated sediment, improve water flow and help reduce pollution in the area.
State Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the initiative was among the state government’s efforts to address the pollution of Sungai Kereh, an issue that has persisted for decades.
He said 61 pig farms are currently operating in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, but the source of the pollution has to be identified based on evidence and on-site inspection findings, rather than drawing conclusions based on a single activity.
“The pollution issue in Kampung Selamat needs to be examined by taking into account various factors, including agricultural activities, waste management and discharge, drainage systems, and other environmental aspects that fall under the jurisdiction of various agencies.
“The state government’s priority for now is to ensure that the source of pollution in Sungai Kereh is identified through comprehensive inspections and assessments. Enforcement action will be taken against parties that violate regulations, and corrective measures will be implemented effectively,” he said in a statement today.
H’ng said the state government is also strengthening pig farm waste management through a short-term action plan involving the transportation of waste to biogas plants, and a long-term plan involving a proposal to construct a biogas plant facility in Kampung Selamat, as presented by the Penang Veterinary Services Department on May 11.
Under the short-term plan, he said solid and liquid waste from pig farms in Kampung Selamat is being transported to the biogas plant in Ampang Jajar.
For pig farms in Seberang Perai Tengah, the transportation of solid and liquid waste to the biogas plant in Kampung Valdor began in June 2026, while waste transportation from farms in Seberang Perai Selatan has commenced since 2023.
“These measures are aimed at strengthening livestock waste management through appropriate processing facilities and reducing the risk of waste discharge that could harm the environment.
“As for the long-term solution, a proposal to build a biogas plant facility in Kampung Selamat has also been put forward to enable livestock waste to be managed more systematically and sustainably,” he said.
H’ng said the pig farming industry has the potential to contribute to the state’s economic growth and support related sectors. However, this has to be balanced with operators’ responsibility to comply with regulations and ensure that farming activities do not adversely affect the environment or the well-being of the community.
Yesterday, Tasek Gelugor Member of Parliament Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan proposed in the Dewan Rakyat that pig farming activities in Tasek Gelugor be halted following the pollution of Sungai Kereh, which has been linked to the discharge of untreated waste from nearby pig farms in Kampung Selamat. — Bernama