By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, March 1 — Cattle breeders whose livestock are found roaming away from their farms could soon face a fine that is up to ten times more than the current amount.
State executive councillor for local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the Selangor government is contemplating amending the state’s Control of Cattle Enactment 1971 to raise the maximum fine from RM1,000 to between RM5,000 and RM10,000.
He said a higher fine would serve as a better deterrence in addressing the issue of straying livestock beyond approved agricultural areas, which has resulted in incidents of cattle wandering onto local roads and causing road accidents.
"I consider this issue to be of utmost importance,” he said in the State Legislative Assembly, here, today.
“Often, when local authorities attempt to identify the owners of stray cattle, no one claims ownership until enforcement action is taken. This complicates enforcement efforts.”
He said this in response to Sijangkang assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who urged the government to impose stricter actions against owners of stray cattle to prevent further complications or road fatalities stemming from the issue.
Ng highlighted the challenges faced by local authorities in investigating and enforcing existing laws but assured that the state administration would explore the possibility of amending the Control of Cattle Enactment, potentially increasing the fine to up to RM10,000.
Currently, under the enactment, the offence carries a maximum fine of RM1,000 and imprisonment up to 12 months.
