Stray Livestock Continue To Claim Lives, Cause Millions In Losses In Gua Musang

By Siti Maisarah Ahmad and Habsah Ismail

GUA MUSANG, May 1 (Bernama) -- The lives of road users continue to be at stake as livestock roam freely along main roads in this district, with hundreds of accidents recorded annually and losses reaching millions of ringgit.

The prolonged issue not only causes property damage and injuries but has also claimed lives, reflecting the persistently high level of risk despite various enforcement measures being implemented.

A recent Bernama survey found that the presence of cattle on main roads, particularly at night in dark, winding paths far from settlements, heightens the risk of accidents when the animals suddenly appear on the road.

This situation has made accidents involving stray livestock no longer isolated incidents, but a recurring issue that continues to haunt road users.

Gua Musang district officer Mohd Roshdi Ismail said that throughout 2024, a total of 191 accidents involving cattle were recorded, with estimated losses exceeding RM1.14 million.

He said in 2025, 176 cases were recorded with losses surpassing RM1 million, while up to April this year, 42 cases had been reported involving losses of more than RM252,000.

“This figure remains high and worrying as each case carries safety implications, including injuries, trauma and loss of life,” he told Bernama recently.

He said local authorities conduct five to six capture operations annually in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police and the Department of Veterinary Services.

According to him, 22 captures were recorded in 2024 and 19 in 2025, while 10 compounds were issued in 2024 and 13 in 2025 against livestock owners who failed to manage their animals.

He said animals not claimed within seven days would be auctioned due to limited holding capacity.

“In 2024, a total of 11 cattle were auctioned and eight in 2025,” said Mohd Roshdi, who is also Gua Musang District Council president.

He said livestock owners may be fined based on the number of animals caught, in addition to daily penalties and operational costs.

Elaborating further, Mohd Roshdi said the level of awareness among breeders remains insufficient to fully resolve the issue, citing factors such as lack of grazing areas, high livestock numbers and a complacent attitude towards accident risks.

He also suggested strengthening the implementation of livestock tagging systems to facilitate owner identification, as well as establishing designated grazing areas by relevant authorities as a long-term measure.

Meanwhile, Gua Musang district police chief Supt Sik Choon Foo said the threat posed by wandering animals was at a critical level, particularly at night and during rainy conditions.

He said dark-coloured animals were difficult to spot in poorly lit areas, leaving drivers with little time to react.

“By the time drivers notice the animal, the distance is already too short to brake,” said Sik.

He added that animals tend to remain on tarred roads at night as the surface retains heat after rain.

Police have also identified several accident hotspots involving stray livestock along the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai and Gua Musang-Jeli routes.

Road users are advised to slow down when travelling through these areas, especially in the early morning and at night.

Sik said police will continue working with local authorities in enforcement operations and take legal action against negligent livestock owners.

He also suggested that existing penalties be enhanced to serve as a deterrent.

The issue of stray livestock is not merely about property loss, but poses a direct threat to public safety.

Negligence by livestock owners can lead to tragedy, underscoring the need for stricter action to ensure that the lives of road users are not at risk.

-- BERNAMA