JOHOR BARU: An extensive neutering programme aimed at reducing the number of stray dogs and the risk of rabies has been scheduled for January next year, says Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman (pic).
He said the programme, which also aims to promote sustainable animal management, is part of a collaborative effort between the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), the Social Heroes Foundation, Vet Partners Sdn Bhd and Rhone Ma Holdings Bhd.
“We recently organised the first series of this initiative on Oct 29 and 30, with significant support from local veterinary professionals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The programme, following the ‘trap-neuter-release’ (TNR) approach, aims to address the root causes of stray dog issues.“By neutering stray dogs, the city seeks to reduce the public health risk of rabies and reduce the number of stray-related complaints,” he said when met after chairing the MBJB full board meeting here on Monday.
For the initial programme, a total of 219 stray dogs were neutered, including 20 from the Iskandar Puteri City Council area, he added.
“These dogs also received rabies vaccines, flea treatment and deworming before being handed over to NGOs for care,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam also said that reducing the stray dog population is a necessity and TNR is the most effective solution.
“Controlling the spread of rabies is our primary concern. Rabies is a serious health risk and we cannot afford incidents of rabid dogs biting members of the public.
“This issue is universal and requires community support beyond racial or social divides,” he said, adding that the programme’s success is due to donations and support from NGOs that managed to coordinate help from 15 veterinarians and 18 veterinary nurses.
“The programme was challenging and we are grateful that many volunteered their time despite busy schedules.
“We’re grateful to the donors and sponsors who have supported us. For the programme to succeed long-term, we need ongoing support, especially for aftercare services from the NGOs.”
MBJB has offered to assist other councils looking to replicate this model to ensure dog management practices expand sustainably.
On another matter, Mohd Noorazam said since Aug 1 this year, MBJB has reclassified restaurants operating 18 to 24 hours a day as high-risk premises due to significant cleanliness and licensing issues.
“This decision follows inspections revealing that many of these eateries struggle to maintain the required hygiene standards, particularly with grease trap management, sewage management and adherence to local regulations.
“The council has identified recurring problems with restaurants’ maintenance routines.
“Their continuous operation often leaves little time for proper cleaning and grease trap management, resulting in oil seeping into the sewerage and sullage systems.
“This is problematic, especially in areas with older infrastructure, where heavy rainfall can exacerbate blockages and lead to overflowing sewers,” he added.
MBJB had issued warnings and fines against establishments operating without the necessary licences or failing to meet hygiene requirements.
If these violations persist, the city council said it would seize items and close down premises under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which allows for action against obstructions affecting public safety and traffic.
Among the issues identified are the improper disposal of cooking waste, resulting in clogged drains; washing kitchenware in back lanes, which caused wastewater to flow onto the streets; and failure to obtain permits for outdoor awnings, railings and seating arrangements.
