The Penang island city council has come under fire after it seized a farmer’s cattle in Tanjung Tokong village and auctioned them following complaints of traffic disruption.
Parti Rakyat Malaysia urged the state government to deal with the matter in a transparent and fair manner.
PRM’s Bukit Bendera branch chairman Davy Chong said the farmer, Shahrizal “Jose Rizal” Ahmad, had denied that his cattle had obstructed traffic. Shahrizal had said his cattle were always secured with ropes and were not the ones that were roaming freely.
He also claimed to have written several letters to the council, but these were either rejected or left unanswered, Chong said. Shahrizal had also sought help from state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol, but managed only to meet with his secretary.
He said two of Shahrizal’s animals were seized, one on July 29 and another on Aug 2, and were auctioned this month despite Shahrizal’s attempts to appeal.
Chong questioned why the authorities did not issue any summons or demand a fine of RM4,000 but only stated that the cattle would be auctioned. He said Shahrizal has since lodged a police report.
FMT is awaiting a response from the city council.
