MELAKA: The Chief Minister has ordered a probe into the poisoning of 60 cattle belonging to dozens of farmers in Machap Umboo here.
Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali described it as inhumane, adding that the culprits must be held responsible for the deaths.
"An investigation will reveal whether the animals had been deliberately poisoned or they died from water contamination due to effluents discharged from nearby factories," he said on Tuesday (March 7)
The cows were found dead in their grazing field on Tuesday (March 7).
Melaka unity, community relationship, human resource and consumer's affair committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem said the cattle died due to poisoning.
Ngwe, who is also the representative of the Machap Jaya constituency, visited the site where the animals were found lifeless.
It's learnt that several police reports have been lodged over the incident.
Alor Gajah OCPD Supt Arshad Abu said that his men are investigating the case.
Officials from the Melaka Veterinary Services Department are currently at the site.
Supt Arshad said a preliminary probe showed that the animals had symptoms of poisoning based on the findings by officials from the veterinary department.
He said police have opened an investigation under Section 428 of the Penal Code for mischief in killing animals.
