Pig farms nationwide are a source of water pollution and should be closed down by the government immediately, said Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa).

Cassa president Dr Jacob George said yesterday that the 'radical' idea must be pushed through to safeguard the interest of Malaysia's multiracial population, resources and environment.

"Their closure and immediate action to initiate a clean-up of all areas affected would be the consumers' preferred choice," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

A comprehensive study would show that the pig farms in the country were badly managed and resulting in the pollution of water catchment areas over the past four decades, he added.

Farms closed

Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam announced that several pig farms in the state had been closed down.

The farms are located in Jasin, Bukit Rambai and Alor Gajah.

Mohd Ali stressed that the move was not aimed at causing problems for pig farmers but to safeguard the multiracial population of the state.

He added that the state government will only allow pig farms to be operated in Paya Mengkuang and Kampung Man Lok, Alor Gajah.