BATU GAJAH: The Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) has become the first local authority in Malaysia to appoint community agents to manage stray livestock in its jurisdiction.
Council secretary Muazatul Adawiyah Muhammad said 16 representatives from the Village Development and Security Committees across Tronoh, Lahat, Tanjung Tualang, Sungai Raya, and Sungai Terap received their appointment letters on Thursday (Sept 23).
The pilot initiative, approved by the Perak State Executive Council, aims to curb fatal road accidents and boost the local community economy without draining government funds. It operates under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) and the council's Livestock and Wandering Animals Licensing By-Laws 2012.
"Fatal accidents involving stray livestock dropped from two cases in 2025 to one this year, while property damage cases fell slightly from 125 to 122," Muazatul Adawiyah told a press conference following the ceremony, which was also attended by the council’s president Mohamad Razif Ramli.
"However, minor injury cases rose from one to four. While the figures are relatively low, stray livestock remains a persistent public concern that directly affects community safety."
The agents will serve a one-year term from Oct 1, 2026, to Sept 30, 2027, before the council evaluates the program for potential extension or enhancement. Acting as the council's "eyes and ears," the agents and their teams have completed theoretical and practical training conducted alongside the police and the Veterinary Services Department.
To ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), agents will use passive capture methods rather than chasing the animals. Once an animal is secured, agents will submit a live geotagged report via a dedicated WhatsApp group to prompt collection by council officers, followed by a mandatory police report within 24 hours. The livestock will then be transferred to the council's seizure centre in Batu Gajah.
"The geotagging system serves as a digital safeguard against fraudulent claims involving livestock brought in from outside the district," Muazatul Adawiyah explained.
To support local administrative bodies, the council will pay an incentive of RM500 per captured animal directly into the official accounts of the respective committees or registered associations, rather than to individuals.
Public notices will be posted across the 16 target localities to inform residents and farmers about the initiative. Livestock owners are urged to practice responsible husbandry, as unclaimed seized animals face public auction.
