Batu pahat: The Johor state government has launched a large-scale operation to capture stray dogs in the district after a two-year-old girl was attacked by five dogs in Kampung Tambak, Peserai, recently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid stated that the coordinated operation aims to ensure the stray dogs are rabies-free, thereby alleviating the concerns of the victim's family and medical team. 'On behalf of the Johor state government, we have ordered a large-scale operation to capture stray dogs in the area, particularly to identify and ensure that the strays are free from rabies, for the safety of the victim,' he announced during a press conference at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).
The Batu Pahat District Office initiated follow-up capture operations yesterday in collaboration with the Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP), Department of Veterinary Services (JPV), and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). This operation follows three previous operations conducted jointly by MPBP and JPV on August 12, 26, and 30, which resulted in the capture of 22 stray dogs. However, the number of strays in the area remains high.
Mohd Fared emphasized the need for diverse approaches in capturing the strays, urging the involved agencies not to rely solely on existing methods. 'Based on the guidance and advice from the parents earlier, we believe that the capture methods must continue to be diversified. I urge the local authorities, district office, municipal council, and Department of Veterinary Services to use all methods and means available. Strategies must be diversified, including monitoring operations, surveillance, and any other methods permitted by law,' he stated.
Stern action will also be expanded to all districts in the state, following an instruction by State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor to expedite operations to control stray animals. Additionally, the Johor state government has committed to covering all medical and follow-up treatment costs for the victim at HSA and will provide counseling services to family members, especially the victim's 12-year-old brother who witnessed the incident.
Mohd Fared appealed to the public to refrain from sharing photographs of the victim on social media to protect the family's privacy and sought the cooperation of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to remove related posts. He also visited the victim, Nur Haira Wafiqah Mohammad Hamizi, and her family, receiving an update on her treatment at HSA.
The media reported the stray dog attack on Sunday, which left the victim with serious injuries. The victim's mother, Nur Wahyuni Harun, 36, mentioned that her 12-year-old son is traumatized after witnessing the incident and will receive counseling during a two-week leave from school. Her youngest daughter remains sedated, having undergone her first surgery to treat the injuries sustained, and is still under medical observation.