BATU GAJAH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has urged farmers to make full use of the designated grazing areas provided by the state government in a bid to address the ongoing issue of stray livestock.
He said that free-roaming cattle and buffaloes, often reared by small-scale farmers without proper enclosures, had become a serious concern as they frequently strayed onto roads and agricultural land.
He said that the presence of these animals not only disrupted local farming activities but also posed a safety risk to motorists.
“These animals often wander freely and even enter fenced agricultural areas, which has led to numerous complaints from local residents,” he said at a press conference after attending the Meet the Customer Day event at Dewan Bandaran Kinta today.
Saarani said that stray livestock lying on roads at night presented a significant hazard, with several accidents involving vehicles already reported.
“The animals lie on the roads at night because the asphalt retains heat. We strongly urge farmers to confine their livestock within the designated grazing areas to prevent such dangerous incidents,” he said.
Although the Department of Veterinary Services has set up communal grazing fields, some farmers remain reluctant to use them due to concerns over distance and accessibility.
“Some of the grazing areas are quite far from the villages, making it inconvenient for farmers to tend to their animals on a daily basis. However, it is not feasible to establish grazing areas in every village due to the limited availability of state land,” he added.
These communal fields are managed by committees formed by local farmers, but Saarani stressed that cooperation was essential to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of road accidents.
“We hope livestock owners will collaborate by using the designated grazing areas to promote safety and harmony within their communities,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
