THE Penang State Assembly has approved the Poultry Farming Enactment Bill 2020 today.
A motion for its establishment was tabled by state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin (PH-Penanti) and was passed unanimously by a voice vote.
Dr Norlela said the enactment is crucial to ensure all the poultry farms in Penang follow the modern farming system.
“The enactment emphasises good farming methods by applying ‘Good Animal Husbandry Practices’ (GAHP) in order to prevent environmental pollution and to ensure disease control.
“The enactment also requires poultry breeders to upgrade their farms to closed-house farming system.
“A closed-house farming system is needed because it has been proven effective in addressing pollution and fly menace,” she said.
According to Dr Norlela, based on the 2019 data from Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS), there were 300 chicken farms, 29 duck farms, 37 piru chicken farms and 15 quail farms in the state.
“So in total, there were 381 poultry farms. And from this amount, only 22 farms converted to the closed-house farming system with three of them receiving a certificate from Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP).
“The rest of the farms are still practising the traditional farming system. This is not good because it can pollute the environment, hence, this is why the enactment is set up,” she added.
Dr Norlela said the Poultry Farming Enactment Bill 2020 consists of nine parts that contain 55 clauses.
She added that the enactment is necessary in regulating all activities related to poultry farming and also to transform them to a modern farming system.
“The modernisation of poultry farming can also be developed in line with the current development in the state.
“And the poultry production will also be more guaranteed in terms of quality, cleanliness and safety from disease,” said Dr Norlela.
Dr Norlela said the Penang government is planning to gazette the new enactment in January 2021.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Chan Kok Kuan