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

The Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) has become the first local authority in Malaysia to give communities legal power to rein in straying livestock. — Unsplash pic

By John Bunyan

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 2:31 PM MYT

BATU GAJAH, September 24 — The Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) has become the first local authority in Malaysia to give communities legal power to rein in straying livestock — cattle, buffaloes and goats — animals that often wander into roads and pose serious danger to motorists.

MDBG secretary Muazatul Adawiyah Muhammad said the initiative allowed appointed community agents to act under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) and the MDBG Licensing of Livestock and Stray Animals By-Laws 2012.

“This is a pilot project aimed at strengthening enforcement through the community, especially in areas where straying livestock have posed risks to public safety,” she told a press conference at the MDBG’s office here.

The initiative involves 16 representatives from the mukims of Tronoh, Lahat, Tanjung Tualang, Sungai Raya and Sungai Terap, who were appointed as MDBG Community Agents for Stray Animal Management.

Muazatul said their appointments would be for one year, from October 1 this year until September 30, 2027, in line with the JPKK appointment period.

“We see this as a pilot project and, if there are areas that need improvement, the appointments can be extended for another year,” she said.

She said the initiative received full approval from the Perak State Executive Council and was formalised through the presentation of appointment letters to the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) representatives.

Muazatul said the initiative began in July with the appointment and nomination process carried out in collaboration with the Kinta District and Land Office.

She said all appointed community agents were subsequently required to attend coordination meetings and intensive theoretical and practical training in August.

“The training was conducted with the cooperation of the Department of Veterinary Services and the Royal Malaysia Police, focusing on passive capture techniques without chasing the animals,” she said.

She said the approach was designed to comply with the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772).

Muazatul added the agents, who have been delegated authority under By-law 112 of the relevant by-laws, underwent field operational tests at the end of August, with their work integrated with a live geotagging system to verify the location of each animal caught.

“The JPKK chairmen must be present with his team during their operation. Their role is to identify straying livestock, record their location through geotagging and immediately inform the relevant authorities.

“Once an animal is captured, they must also lodge a report with the police within 24 hours. The animal then will be transferred to MDBG’s seizure pound in Batu Gajah,” she said.

Muazatul said the geotagging system would improve transparency and prevent false claims.

She also warned livestock owners against allowing their animals to roam freely.

“Detained animals may be seized and their owners could be fined and charged management fees before release. Unclaimed animals may be auctioned to the public,” she added.

In order to avoid confusion, Muazatul said notices on the enforcement would be placed in all 16 localities to inform residents and livestock owners that the areas are supervised by the appointed community agents.

“Identification and uniforms for the agents may also be provided in future,”

Muazatul said the operating costs would be covered by fines and livestock auction proceeds.

“RM500 allowance for each animal caught would also be channelled to the JPKK or relevant association’s official account to fund community activities,” she said.