By Aida Aziz
TRONG: The state government must enact legislation to regulate cattle and buffalo rearing and prevent further fatalities from stray livestock wandering onto roads, which pose a danger to motorists.
The death of a man, who was an employee of Taiping Zoo, in an accident along Jalan Kuala Trong-Trong early Friday morning has drawn widespread attention, raising fresh concerns over road safety in the area.
The victim, who was riding a motorcycle, died after colliding with a cow crossing the road. The incident is believed to be far from isolated, with several others reportedly having fallen victim to similar accidents.
Trong assemblyman Faisal Abdul Rahman said he had repeatedly raised the issue at district-level meetings and during State Legislative Assembly sittings.
“Various efforts have been undertaken, and all available channels have been utilised to address the threat posed by stray livestock, which endangers road users and residents in Trong.
“Every year, I bring forward public complaints, motions and proposals to the state government in an effort to resolve this issue.
“The state government must enact laws governing cattle and buffalo rearing.
“It is high time legislation was introduced at the state level to empower the authorities to regulate livestock farming and take action against livestock owners who violate the law,” he stressed.
He added that cooperation among all relevant agencies, including the police, Veterinary Services Department, local authorities and Public Works Department (JKR), was crucial to ensuring public safety.
“The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Veterinary Services Department must take action against irresponsible livestock owners.
“Taiping Municipal Council should conduct large-scale enforcement operations, while JKR should install streetlights in dark and high-risk areas.
“Livestock owners must also take responsibility, while road users should remain vigilant at all times.
“Committees to address the stray livestock problem have already been established at both state and district levels. However, the public is still waiting to see what further action will be taken.
“The number of victims involving stray livestock continues to rise, with lives and property being lost,” he said.
He added that among the issues raised by irresponsible livestock owners was the need to make it compulsory for every cow and buffalo to carry identification tags bearing their owners’ details.
Other proposed measures include requiring livestock owners to fence off their pens and grazing areas, as well as empowering enforcement officers to issue immediate and hefty compounds against those who fail to comply with the regulations.
