Pahang’s “Ops Khas” will deal with the threat of roaming livestock

The Pahang government will initiate a special operation next year to capture wild animals that cross the road and cause accidents throughout the state.

Datuk Seri Ir Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, head of the State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education Committee, hopes that the operation, called “Ops Khas,” will help livestock owners become more aware of the problem and cut down on the disturbing number of fights involving wandering animals.

People who raise cattle and horses will have to follow the rules set by the government and make sure their animals don’t get loose in public places or hurt other people, especially drivers.

“Operation Khas” was started because the Veterinary Services Department was getting a lot of reports from people about animals that weren’t being watched, which was causing crashes and even deaths involving cars.

People who raise animals for profit have been warned many times in the past to make sure their animals don’t wander onto public roads, but it still happens, and the police have to round up the cows or buffaloes. The Veterinary Services Department, the police, and local officials will all be part of the operation, he told reporters at a press meeting here.

According to Soffi, the authorities received 41 reports between January and October 31 of this year about animals roaming freely and bothering people.

The official said that under Section 9(1) of the state’s Buffalo and Cow Control Enactment 2001, livestock farmers who are caught leaving their animals in places that aren’t allowed can get an RM5,000 fine, a year in jail, or both.

Among the places that aren’t allowed are the road surface, an area 20 meters from the edge of the road, and all public places.

Soffi stated during “Ops Khas” that they will seize animals that roam freely. Breeders will have 14 days to get their animals back, and they will be fined up to RM500 per animal.

The vet threatened to confiscate or auction the animals if the owners didn’t show up.