Melaka: The Melaka state government will table amendments to the livestock enactment at the next State Legislative Assembly session to strengthen enforcement against stray livestock, following the rollout of a quick-response (QR) coding system for cattle and buffalo. State executive councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said the goal is to ensure farmers manage their livestock responsibly while reducing the risk of road accidents and crop damage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendments will specify penalties and fines according to the severity of the offence, ranging from stray livestock causing damage, crop destruction, accidents with minor or serious injuries, to cases resulting in fatalities. Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh informed reporters at Dataran Orang Kampung, Merlimau of these plans today, emphasizing that the initiative is not intended to punish farmers, but to remind and educate them that managing livestock is their responsibility while preventing incidents that could compromise public safety.

Earlier, he officiated the state-level Agro MADANI Sales Carnival, which was also attended by Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri. Dr Muhamad Akmal further elaborated that the state government will require all cattle and buffalo to be tagged with QR codes from March onwards.

He stated that the government will cover the full cost of tagging during the first six months as a grace period. During this time, all farmers must register with the Department of Veterinary Services to receive the tags, and tagging will be carried out in phases. After six months, farmers will bear the cost, he added, noting that stray livestock found without tags after the deadline may be impounded and dealt with under the amended enactment.