Batu Gajah council empowers community to tackle roaming livestock blamed for road accidents

Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) has become the first local authority in Malaysia to empower communities to manage stray livestock. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by animals wandering onto roads. MDBG Secretary Muazatul Adawiyah Muhammad stated that appointed community agents can now act under the Local Government Act 1976 and the MDBG Licensing of Livestock and Stray Animals By-Laws 2012.

The pilot project involves 16 representatives from mukims in Tronoh, Lahat, Tanjung Tualang, Sungai Raya, and Sungai Terap, who have been appointed as Community Agents for Stray Animal Management for a year. The initiative received approval from the Perak State Executive Council and was formalized through appointment letters presented to the Village Development and Security Committee.

The agents underwent intensive training focusing on passive capture techniques without chasing the animals, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services and the Royal Malaysia Police. They are required to attend coordination meetings and use a geotagging system to verify the location of each captured animal. The appointed agents will also lodge a report with the police within 24 hours of catching an animal, which will then be transferred to MDBG's seizure pound in Batu Gajah.

Livestock owners are warned against allowing their animals to roam freely, and penalties may be imposed for unclaimed animals. The operating costs for the initiative will be covered by fines and livestock auction proceeds, with a RM500 allowance provided for each animal caught to fund community activities.