Two cows from Tanjung Tokong village were seized and auctioned after residents and community leaders in the neighbouring Desiran Tanjung area made repeated complaints about cattle roaming freely in the area, the Penang Island City Council said today.
He said two more cows were seized at Jalan Zoo in Air Itam, and all four were later auctioned off.
The council’s enforcement director, Noorazrein Noorazlan Ong, said the action taken was “lawful, justified and necessary” to safeguard public safety.
“The complaints involved road safety, disturbances to residents, incidents of cattle attacks, and dung in public areas,” he told FMT, adding that the issue had also gone viral on social media, drawing criticism and concern.
Noorazrein explained that the operation was carried out in accordance with the council’s bylaws.
Yesterday, the council came under fire from Parti Rakyat Malaysia for allegedly ignoring the pleas of cattle owner Shahrizal “Jose Rizal” Ahmad that his cattle in Tanjung Tokong were roped and did not roam freely. The party urged the state government to act in a transparent and fair manner.
Noorazrein said the auction, held on Sept 11, involved four cattle of six that were seized. Two cows were seized from Jalan Zoo in Air Itam, and the owners successfully bid to reclaim their cattle. However, Shahrizal did not turn up for the auction despite being informed and his two cows were sold.
“During the operation, the owner was not at the location. As per procedure, captured cattle are disposed of through public auction at the MBPP veterinary department, as decided by the council’s committee,” Noorazrein said.
