BATU PAHAT: The Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) will call in the contractor hired to manage stray animals and animal welfare groups to hear both sides of an incident involving an alleged rude gesture towards residents.
MPBP said it would seek a full explanation from both parties to ensure fairness following a video circulating on social media alleging that the workers had mistreated stray dogs and behaved rudely towards residents who approached them.
“We take the matter seriously and will instruct the contractor to take firm action against the worker involved if misconduct was found to have occurred.
“MPBP will ensure that appropriate improvements and monitoring measures are implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring,” it said in a statement on Friday (Sept 18).
The council added that every stray animal management operation must be carried out professionally and responsibly.
At the same time, it reminded members of the public not to interfere with or provoke official operations conducted according to the stipulated guidelines.
The council also urged all parties to maintain mutual respect and cooperation in addressing stray animal management issues humanely and effectively while prioritising public safety.
The issue arose after a video clip was posted on a Facebook page alleging that the contractors had mistreated stray dogs.
The person who recorded the incident was said to have confronted the workers, with one of the workers allegedly seen making an obscene hand gesture.
Meanwhile, state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said such behaviour was unacceptable.
“I immediately contacted state local housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor and the council president to express my views, understand the situation and coordinate the response,” said Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman.
