Farm with retention pond dumps pig dung into bay
GEORGE TOWN: The pig farm in Gertak Sanggul on Penang island has a retention pond to treat waste, yet it dumped raw pig dung into the bay, said a source in the state government.
He said enforcers were appalled when they raided the farm and found that it had facilities to treat the waste but did not do so.
“When it rained, the stream beside the farm becomes torrential and they take the opportunity to dump the waste.
“But they did not understand the tidal currents.
“Gertak Sanggul is a sheltered bay and unless it is king tide season, the pig waste does not disappear. It is washed back up to shore,” he said.
Following The Star’s exclusive report early this month on the pig waste pollution in the sea off Gertak Sanggul, many government departments visited the farm.
A compound notice issued by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) against the farm, sighted by The Star, showed that it was operating without a licence.
Gertak Sanggul is one of the most remote beaches on the island accessible by car.
Tucked in the southwestern corner of the island, it does not have a single hotel or any modern buildings and is an offthebeaten track destination that many locals go on weekends in search of clams on the mud flats at low tide.
State Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh revealed yesterday that the bay’s pollution was more than just pig waste.
“Samples of the bay’s water and mud show that there is prawn farm waste too.
“We are visiting the nearby prawn farms to check on their waste treatment systems.”
Phee said yesterday, several government agen cies met to discuss the pollution of Gertak Sanggul and coordinate their actions.
They include Department of Environment, Department of Agriculture, MBPP and district offices.
“Every agency will submit their recommendations and we will prepare a list of conditions that the farms must comply with.
“They contribute to Penang’s food security by being near consumers.
“But the state will not compromise on the need to be sustainable and environmentally friendly,” Phee said.
Meanwhile, pig and chicken farmers tried to “find fault” with the state Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin last week when they gathered for a briefing on how to legitimise their operations.
It is learned that the farmers wanted to appeal for more time to comply with the law and hoped Dr Afif was present.
But when he could not join them, they raised a fuss.
Dr Afif, in a statement, said he had to meet Deputy Rural Development Minister R. Sivarasa at another location when the talk was held.
“I am confident that even without my presence, the department officials could provide guidance and take note of all the matters raised by breeders,” Dr Afif said.
Although Penang is one of the largest producers of pork in the country, the majority of pig farmers here are unlicensed.
They contribute to Penang’s food security by being near consumers. But the state will not compromise on the need to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Phee Boon Poh