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

Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) in Malaysia has become the first local authority to empower communities to manage straying livestock, aiming to enhance safety for motorists. Secretary Muazatul Adawiyah Muhammad announced the initiative, which appoints community agents to act under existing laws to control cattle, buffaloes, and goats wandering into roads.

This pilot project involves 16 representatives from various mukims in Tronoh, Lahat, Tanjung Tualang, Sungai Raya, and Sungai Terap, with a one-year term from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2027. The agents received training in passive capture techniques and are required to document their operations using a geotagging system to ensure transparency.

The initiative was approved by the Perak State Executive Council and involves fines for unclaimed animals, with proceeds funding community activities.