Kuantan: Livestock activities that serve as therapy for residents of a rehabilitation and treatment centre here were disrupted after more than 25 chickens died in floods that have hit the area since Dec 17. Faznizam Muridan, a staff member of Casa Paliativo Komited Malaysia, noted that although several chickens drowned, more than 300 were successfully moved to higher coops.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Faznizam highlighted that the rapid rise of water levels almost submerged the livestock area. Despite the small number of chickens that perished, the impact was felt because they are living beings. The centre also rears turkeys and free-range chickens, as well as ducks and geese. Fortunately, all ducks and geese were saved due to their ability to swim.

The drug rehabilitation and treatment centre, under Pertubuhan Komuniti Intervensi Dadah Malaysia (Komited Malaysia), has incorporated livestock activities as a form of therapy and hobby for its residents since 2019. Some of the mature chickens will be transferred to a livestock farm in Kampung Hijrah, while the rest are used for training residents in care, egg incubation, and livestock management.

Faznizam emphasized that these activities not only provide a hobby for residents but also contribute to the centre's income. Residents involved in these activities receive a small allowance for their work. The centre currently houses about 40 residents.

Furthermore, the livestock activities receive support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foundations to help reduce operating costs. Besides rearing livestock, residents of the rehabilitation centre are also engaged in managing a small eatery around Kuantan and providing maintenance services.