The angry farmers from Ulu Yam holding up placards denouncing ‘oppression’ and demanding help from the Selangor state government in Shah Alam
Another cow protest! At the Selangor State Secretariat again! But this time, it was live cattle that flocked to the seat of state power today.
Trucks carrying livestock and disgruntled farmers clogged up the entrance to the secretariat building to drive home the ire of the herders, who accused the state government of doing nothing to help two cattle farms which were destroyed during a landslide at an illegal landfill in Ulu Yam last Wednesday.
Mountains of rubbish collapsed onto the farms during attempts to put out a fire at the illegal dumpsite at Kampung Sungai Kertas went wrong, injuring a worker while killing cows and goats.
As many as 30 lorries, pickup trucks and other vehicles were used by members of the Selangor Ruminant Livestock Breeders Association to transport bulls, dairy cows, buffalos and goats to the state secretariat building.
Association president Samad Kassim described last week’s disaster as a “garbage tsunami.”
Spokesman Samad Kassim voicing the farmers’ grievances to reporters at the state secretariat.
Spokesman Samad Kassim voicing the farmers’ grievances to reporters at the state secretariat. – Picture by Choo Choy May
He said animals were dying daily at the two farms which received some assistance from the Veterinary Services Department but none from the Selayang Municipal Council.
“Instead of assisting the farmers, the authorities labelled the farms illegal,” he said.
He added that one of the farms was licensed while the other was operating on Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) reserve land.
Carrying banners, the protesters demanded to meet with representatives from either the offices of the menteri besar or Selangor executive councillor (Exco) Yaakob Saapari, who holds the agriculture portfolio in the state administration.
There was brief stand-off at the gate when they refused to hand the memorandum over to Selangor state public relations officer Genie Lim and Brian Yap, who are from the office of Environment Exco Elizabeth Wong.
Members of the association were seen shouting at the two officers. They also threatened to release the animals.
However Nik Nazmi Nik Nazmi, the political secretary of the Selangor mentri besar, arrived at the scene soon after and invited Samad and other members of the Association for a meeting with Yaakob.
After half an hour, the men held a brief press conference and said the state government had promised to look into the plight of the farmers.
They are going to send food for the animals and find an alternative site for one of the farmers, said Samad.
Yaakob, who also spoke to reporters, said it was not true that the state government had ignored the plight of the two farmers.
He said the Selangor Veterinary Services Department, which is under the state administrations, was at the scene from day one.
“Despite it being Hari Raya week, my officers had gone to the ground to treat the animals which were injured besides providing water and food for the animals,” he said.
He said the licensed farmer will get assistance to rebuild his farm while an alternative site would be found for the other farmer.
Batu Caves assemblyman Amirudin Shari has held discussions with the Ulu Selangor District Officer to locate an alternative site for the farm.
According to press reports the illegal landfill was closed by the state government last
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Interesting. It only happen when PR takeover Selangor. All these did not take place before. I believe someone instigate the whole matter from Belakang. Guess who???
I think you all should go to Toyo's palace bcoz the illegal landfill was started by the previous state govt.
got to check on this so called Selangor Livestock Association. Is this a registered association? when was it registered? two days ago? Why are they resorting to dramatics to highlight the plight of two farmers?
something smells fishy.
Collapse of an illegal landfill. In first place, how can there be a such a huge illegal landfill?? Without the District officer notice? Why they didn't take any action? Yes, state government should be taking full responsibility.
And this can boil down to the negligence and possible curruption at the Selayang District local authority. The SELCAT should hold public investigation/inquiry into this case. This may be another case of gross malpractise
another series brought by UMNO. where is police? What if happen in perak i think super fast action will been taken. Next time if pig farmer got problem can they bring the pig to protect??
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