KUANTAN: Livestock breeders in Pekan can now safeguard their animals from floods with the opening of the state's first temporary livestock relief centre.
The 20-hectare facility in Kampung Padang Rumbia allows breeders to relocate cattle, buffaloes and goats to a safe area when floods threaten their sheds.
State Veterinary Services Department director Datuk Dr Kamaliah Ghazali said the centre was a designated site that allows breeders to ensure the safety of their livestock before floods occur.
"The centre features an open grassed area, a covered shed, a hall and a food store. Breeders concerned about flooding can arrange transport to move their animals to the centre," she said when met at the Kampung Mahkota Veterinary Skills Centre here today.
"In the past two years, some cattle breeders moved their herds to higher ground along the main road in Pekan during floods, which often leads to animals going missing.
"But now, they are no longer allowed to keep livestock by the roadside. If breeders are worried about the floods, they must relocate their livestock to the centre.
"This is the first temporary livestock relief centre in Pekan, and we may establish similar facilities in other districts if we obtain suitable land."
Earlier, Dr Kamaliah closed a workshop on a pilot project exploring the use of pineapple waste as cattle feed.
She said the district Veterinary Services Department has a list of registered breeders in Pekan to ensure smooth relocation processes and enable regular checks and feeding of the animals.
She added that the centre also accommodates poultry, with a covered section provided for their shelter.
"The centre can also provide shelter to cats, with a hall available for owners to place animal cages indoors."
In preparation for major floods, livestock breeders in the state have been advised to identify high ground as a precautionary measure.
Dr Kamaliah said five breeders in Bera and Raub were affected by the first wave of floods, and the department is currently assisting them.