Adoption first, not 'shooting spree', says Negri MB on move to reduce stray dog population
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government's decision to check the stray dog problem in Malay majority areas will not lead to widespread culling in these areas, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said authorities would house the strays caught first and allow them to be adopted before destroying those left behind after a certain period.
"We will follow the rules already in place. It does not mean we will go on a shooting spree or poison them," he told reporters after presenting outstanding academic awards to schools and students who did well in the recent SPM examination.
Aminuddin said relevant agencies would only consider killing dogs that are aggressive, pose a danger to and have bitten humans.
"Even that will be in line with the law. We will not be trigger-happy," he said.
Aminuddin added that some people were opposing the move.
He said he often received news of people bitten by stray dogs.
"Some victims, especially younger ones, can be left scarred for life," he said.
On April 30, the Negri Sembilan state assembly unanimously agreed to cull stray dogs in predominantly Malay residential areas.
Aminuddin said the overpopulation of stray dogs had disrupted residents' daily activities.
On May 9, several hundred people held a peaceful gathering in front of Wisma Negri to protest the decision.
The gathering, organised by a group representing 40 animal welfare groups from around the country, aimed fro a reversal of the decision and submitted a memorandum and a petition signed by more than 5,000 people.
Aminuddin said the Seremban City Council had also allocated a substantial amount of funds to animal groups to help them manage strays but this has not addressed the issue.
"After the TNR (trap-neuter-release) process is done, strays are released back in the same area.
"This has not resolved the problem as there are thousands of strays and they have become a big problem in predominantly Malay areas," he said.
Aminuddin said he would be more than happy if animal welfare groups could assist and ensure captured dogs never return to where they were caught.
He also said the groups should know that the directive only covers Malay majority areas.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
7 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Will intra-racial or ethnic unity illuminate or darken Malaysia?
THE call by two-time premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for an umbrella of greater unity among Malays brings an eerie feeling to all mature, educated, and level-headed Malaysians. Greater Malay unity contradicts the very fabric of 'unity in diversity' envisioned at the formation of Malaya and later Malaysia by our founding fathers. The question now is whether intra-racial unity will illuminate Malaysia—or darken and dim it. Tipping the balance against the very spirit of our formation and subsequent nation-building will bring negative repercussions both nationally and internationally, affecting our nation economically and politically. In the colorful tapestry of Malaysia, the national identity is sewn together by a rich blend of cultures—primarily Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples. Now, among this delightful variety, a question lingers: Is it enough for people of the same race to stand closely together, or do we need to stretch our hands across the ethnic lines to build a truly united nation? This little piece argues that while unity within a single group may give a sense of belonging, it is that intermingling of communities—both in politics and daily life that truly nurtures a lasting bond among all Malaysians. A thoughtful person named J.S. Furnivall once described a plural society as one where different racial groups live side by side, much like guests at a grand wedding reception, each enjoying their own food without much mingling. Malaysia fits this bill perfectly; ethnic groups have their own schools, political parties, and even places of worship. In such a setting, for national harmony, it's not just about being cosy within your own circle but also about making connections with the others. Though intra-ethnic unity is necessary to some extend, it has its own limitations and it is insufficient. The desire for ethnic-based unity has been a familiar feature in Malaysian life and politics. The Malays often gather around UMNO, the Chinese rally with the MCA or DAP, and the Indians find a voice through MIC and current multiple Indian parties or other community groups. This cosy internal bonding certainly helps the communities to voice their particular needs and desires. However, as wise voices had previously pointed out, there lies the risk of becoming too self-contained, like a beehive that doesn't allow other pollinators. A constant emphasis on intra-group solidarity can create walls instead of bridges, making it hard to build trust and encouraging narratives that view relations between groups as a competition rather than a collaboration. Since independence the nation was build based on inter-racial/ethnic competition among races which cannot continue to be the trajectory for future nation building as the world has moved towards the 'earth is but one country and mankind its citizens' tenet. As we venture into the present political landscape of Malaysia, the significance of inter-ethnic unity shines through. Since the time of the 2018 general election, there have been notable shifts in political coalitions that highlight both the prospects and challenges of different ethnicities coming together, which leads to inter-ethnic unity. The current Pakatan Harapan (PH) unity government champions reforms, good governance, and inclusivity. Though it has faced some criticisms about ethnic imbalances, it remains one of the most ethnically diverse alliances in Malaysia's journey. Following the 2022 elections, the advent of unity governments, which brought together several coalitions, mark a pragmatic embrace of multi-coalitional governance. Despite their differing ideologies, these partnerships underline the necessity for cooperation across ethnic and geographical lines to uphold national steadiness. The real unity is not merely a matter of politics; it seeps into the daily grind of life. Inter-ethnic solidarity should be nurtured through, social economic and institutionalised integration. There must be education reforms that promote multicultural understanding and national harmony. A fair economic policies that shift from race-based views to need-based frameworks, striving toward a shared prosperity vision should be the hallmark. Initiating civic engagement and youth activism where the younger generations forge a Malaysian identity that transcends race must be framework towards every government machinery. While unity among a single ethnic group can surely bolster community strength, it is the cooperation across different ethnic lines—politically, economically, and socially—that lays the groundwork for Malaysia's brighter future. The evolution of the country's political frameworks reflects a delicate, yet sincere, effort towards multi-ethnic governance. As Malaysia strides forward, embracing this spirit of inter-ethnic solidarity will be the secret recipe for national resilience, unity, and inclusive growth. We cannot continue to operate on intra-ethnic, which we did since independence, as the world has moved forward for inclusivity and integration in all dimensions. ‒ June 9, 2025 Maran ( KT Maran) Seremban, Negri Sembilan The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Borneo Post
Daily Express
9 hours ago
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api urges sacrifice, sets sights on historic win
Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain (left) presents a memento to Secretary-General Datuk Razali Razi after officiating the division's 2025 annual meeting. KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Api-Api Division Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain has called on party members to view time and financial sacrifices as necessary investments for long-term political success. Speaking to some 200 delegates at the division's annual meeting here on Sunday, Faisyal said while current sentiment favors local parties, collaboration with the federal government remains crucial. Advertisement He acknowledged the contributions of former national parties but emphasized that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) represents the present and future of Sabah politics. Faisyal pledged Gagasan Rakyat's support for any GRS or Pakatan Harapan candidate in upcoming elections and urged the youth wing to focus on mobilizing young voters, who make up half of Sabah's electorate. He noted that with Api-Api's voter composition—48pc Bumiputera and 40pc Chinese—there is a real opportunity for GRS to make inroads in a seat long held by Chinese representatives. 'A GRS victory here is possible within five to ten years,' he said, citing the coalition's broad appeal under its multiracial platform. Advertisement To boost voter outreach, a series of programs are being planned. Youth chief Safwan Faisyal Diego announced a townhall session with business and community leaders, in collaboration with former mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, and a soup kitchen initiative with Jetsin Sdn Bhd's Datuk Jade Koh. Safwan said Api-Api's ethnic mix including Chinese, Dusun, Malay, and Tausug members reflects GRS's inclusivity. 'That's the beauty of GRS and Gagasan Rakyat. As long as you're a Sabahan, you'll always have a place with us,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Clarity sought on 'Sabah native' definition to protect indigenous rights
Henrynus Amin KOTA KINABALU (June 8): Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri) has called for a clearer definition or a more precise list of 'Sabah native' races, similar to what exists for Sarawak, in order to bring clarity and remove any doubt and ambiguity. This call aims to remove existing ambiguities and protect the rights and heritage of genuine indigenous communities in Sabah. Anak Negeri President Datuk Henrynus @ Rinus Amin also wants to add a clause no native certificates are valid without an 'appropriate declaration made by Sabah Native Court.' Henrynus said he also wants a clause that specifically states if evidence emerges that a citizenship and/or a native certificate was obtained fraudulently, the issuing authority (such as the Native Court in Sabah) has the legal basis to revoke it, and those involved in the fraud may face further legal repercussions. Anak Negeri is championing the rights of genuine native communities to protect their ancestral land from encroachment by individuals it deems 'bogus natives.' There's an urgent need to resolve this issue because foreigners, who are reportedly posing as Malaysian citizens and natives with fraudulently obtained identity cards, are illegally occupying native or customary land across Sabah 'We're getting troubling reports about customary native land being occupied by newcomers with dubious identity in several districts of Sabah, including Ranau, Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tongod, Beluran, Pitas, Sipitang, Lahad Datu and Kalabakan. 'These reports indicate that newcomers with questionable citizenship are allegedly purchasing or occupying these lands and creating new settlements,' said Henrynus in a statement on Sunday. He also expressed concerns about shifting demographics resulting from the existence of new land owners in Sabah claiming to be natives. He said there are allegations that thousands of acres of land have been granted to 'dubious natives' (individuals of questionable native status) in several districts of Sabah. These individuals are reportedly establishing new settlements and villages, and then registering as voters, which critics argue is fundamentally altering the political demographics of these areas. Claims have been highlighted that as many as 500,000 individuals in Sabah may have obtained Malaysian identity cards (MyKad) through questionable means. This issue is particularly concerning given the reported shifts in ethnic demographics. Currently, the Kadazandusun population now stands at only 19% of the total, and the Bajau at 14%. In contrast, the Malay population, which was previously negligible, has reportedly surged to 9%. The question being raised is the origin of this new Malay population. If they are not from Peninsular Malaysia, the conclusion drawn is that they are individuals from neighboring Indonesia who are allegedly masquerading as Malays to obtain identity cards and subsequently claim rights to native land, said Henrynus. The party is also particularly concerned about coastal squatter settlements near major towns, which it alleges are populated by individuals of questionable citizenship claiming native status and seeking state recognition for their villages. Henrynus said in Sabah, the primary enactment that defines 'natives of Sabah' is the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952 (Sabah Cap 64). Unlike Sarawak, which lists specific indigenous races, he said the Federal Constitution for Sabah refers to 'a person of a race indigenous to Sabah,' again deferring to the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952. He said the status of Kadazandusun, Murut and Sungai or collectively Momogun is not clearly defined in Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952. 'This lack of a precise list casts doubt on the validity and relevance of the existing definition,' said Henrynus who launched Parti Anak Negeri Village Committee at Kampung Kinaundusan (N36 Kundasang) Ranau recently. But amendment to the definition of 'native' in Sabah has been a long-standing and complex issue which no state government was willing to take on. He said the issue was deemed not a priority and thus relegated to the political backyard by the current state administration. He said he is not sure what is being done by the GRS State Government, but questioned why Kadazandusun assemblymen from Star, PBS, and UPKO who were outspoken on the issue during election, are seen as largely oblivious to the facts, and remain muted after the election. 'Have they forgotten their roots?' he asked. The Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952 provides a legal framework for who is considered a native in Sabah. There are several criteria, including: 1. Persons both of whose parents are or were members of a people indigenous to Sabah. 2. Persons ordinarily resident in Sabah and live as a member of a native community, with at least one parent or ancestor being a native within the meaning of the first point. 3. Persons ordinarily resident in Sabah who are members of certain other indigenous peoples (e.g., from Sarawak, Brunei, Indonesia, or the Sulu group of islands in the Philippine Archipelago) and have lived as and been a member of a native community for a continuous period, among other requirements.
