Protests Outside Selangor Government
MALAYSIA - More than 30 trucks loaded with buffaloes, cows, goats and milk containers protested outside the state secretariat main gate.
30 September 2009
2 minute read
More than 100 livestock breeders had brought the animals to demand that the Selangor Pakatan-led government offer assistance to two cattle farms in Sungai Tua, Ulu Yam that were affected by a freak flood caused by the collapse of a huge illegal landfill five days ago reports The Star.
About 10 milkmen on motorcycles also brought milk in containers to join the protest.
Government servants, businessmen, politicians and visitors driving to the state secretariat building were shocked at the sight of all the animals.
The protesters became agitated when they were unable to meet state executive councillor for agriculture Yaakob Sapari or Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
On seeing state special officer Brian Yap and press secretariat officer Ginie Lim coming forward to accept the memorandum on the issue, Selangor Ruminant Livestock Association chairman Samad Kassim, his deputy Jaspal Singh and several others shouted for the resignation of Councillor Sapari.
Other protesters, when told that their demand to meet Councillor Sapari or Khalid had been turned down, threatened to release the animals from the lorries, while others said that the milk would be poured onto the road.
Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad later agreed to have five representatives led by Samad Kassim to meet with Councillor Sapari in his office.
At a press conference later, Councillor Sapari said he had ordered the state Veterinarian Department to provide help the day after the incident reports The Star.
“Our state machinery responded as the incident was considered a disaster. To say we did not help is untrue.”
Councillor Sapari added that plans were in the pipeline to allocate 80ha of land for 20 livestock breeders in the state whose farms were threatened by rapid development.
TheCattleSite News Desk
