KUALA LUMPUR – The hot-button issue of illegal pig farming, raised during the Ayer Kuning by-election campaign, is unlikely to sway non-Malay voters away from Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) candidate, Abdul Muhaimin Malek.
Dr. Shawn Loh Sheng Nian, Deputy Chief of Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS (DHPP), said the non-Malay community is equally concerned about public hygiene, environmental pollution, and compliance with health standards.
“I’m confident this issue won’t weaken Chinese voter support. They too value clean, lawful surroundings and support strict action against unlicensed farms that threaten public health,” he told Malaya Daily Today after campaigning in Kampung Baru Coldstream.
The illegal pig farming issue has gained traction after PAS raised concerns about the density of pig farms in predominantly Malay areas. According to PAS Vice President Idris Ahmad, official data from the Perak Veterinary Services Department shows 30 licensed pig farms operating in the Batang Padang and Muallim districts.
Shawn also pointed out that Kampung Baru Coldstream is the key Chinese-majority polling district in the Ayer Kuning constituency, contributing around 90% of the total Chinese voter base there.
“Voters here are optimistic and engaged. Many are clearly backing candidate No. 2 and are eager to support PN this time around. It’s time to reset the political direction and restore the dignity of the electorate,” he said.
He added that PN leaders from across the country are actively visiting key constituencies to better understand grassroots concerns through engagement sessions.
The Ayer Kuning by-election, set for April 26, will see a three-way contest between PN’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek, BN’s Mohamad Yusri Bakir, and PSM’s Bawani KS. -MalayaDailyToday
