KOTA KINABALU: Measures are in place to hold livestock owners accountable to ensure their animals do not trespass onto public areas.
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, was responding to Pantai Manis assemblyman, Mohd Tamin Zainal, on the issue of stray cattle in the constituency.
During his debate, Mohd Tamin said that there had been animals roaming unsupervised.
Under the Papar District Council (Control of Animals) By-Laws 1980, Dr Joachim said under Section 10(1) that owners must pay for any damage caused by their livestock.
"If found guilty, owners face fines of up to RM500 or six months' imprisonment," he said during his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting yesterday.
Joachim, who is also the state Deputy Chief Minister, added that the council has undertaken several initiatives to tackle the problem. Among them are issuing notices and compounds to livestock owners; conducting operations to round up stray cattle based on public complaints; as well as providing holding pens for unclaimed animals.
"As a long-term measure, the local authority also plans to organise a dialogue session involving livestock owners, police, and veterinary officers in Papar. This platform will serve to discuss sustainable solutions for livestock management."
Meanwhile, Joachim said that the Kg Bangau Bangau settlement in Semporna, comprising mostly water villages, is located on land marked for district development.
He said that the state government plans to relocate residents to planned settlements in Tinagayan and Melanta Tutup, which have been gazetted for such purposes.
Joachim said that these measures are necessary to support Semporna's overall development while preserving the town's natural beauty and environmental health.
"The relocation of residents is part of the district's development plan to transition Kg Bangau-Bangau into a commercial hub. Moving them to planned settlements will not only improve their living conditions but also unlock the economic potential of the area."