MIRI, March 28: Rearing livestock in housing estates or commercial premises is prohibited under the law and those convicted will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both, in addition to an Order to abate nuisances issued by the Court.
Miri City Council (MCC) mayor Adam Yii said he had received feedback during a recent ‘Meet-The-People’ session that some residents are still rearing chickens and other livestock in public places or in their private premises.
“People are now living in a densely populated environment whether in housing estates or commercial premises. It is therefore inevitable that rearing of livestock has given rise to many health nuisances, sanitation problems, hygiene issues and waste disposal complaints.
“In light of this, the council would like to remind all those concerned to stop rearing livestock whether for their own consumption or for commercial purpose,” said Yii while chairing the MCC monthly council meeting today.
In a statement following the meeting today, the council further reminded the public that the rearing of livestock in private or public places either for personal consumption, commercial or recreation purposes will create smell, noise and sight nuisances to immediate neighbours or the surrounding area.
“It is an offence under Section 112 (b) of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1999, to keep or maintain any animal in such place or manner or in such number as to be a nuisance read together with By-Law 28 (4) The Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999, keep or maintain livestock without written authorization from MCC.
“The council may grant reasonable opportunity to the occupier of any holding reasonably suspected of having committed an offence to remove, put down and abate all nuisance of a public nature.
“Upon expiry of reasonable opportunity, the council may itself abate the nuisance and recover all expenses thereof from the person in default,” said MCC.
It pointed out that where a notice has been served on an individual who then defaults in complying with any of the requirements of the notice within the time specified, the individual once convicted shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both. In addition the Magistrate’s Court may issue a nuisance order.
Any individual who fails to comply with the provision of the nuisance order shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding RM150 for each day during the period of his default, said MCC. — DayakDaily
