SRDC to get tough on residential poultry rearing
SIBU: Sibu Rural District Council ( SRDC) will get tough with residents who are rearing poultry beginning next month.
Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said a 30-day notice had been issued, and upon expiry of the grace period his men will go to demolish illegal structures like cages and coops.
“If necessary, compounds would be issued and their poultry confiscated. To me, poultry rearing in areas within SRDC’s jurisdiction has reached a critical stage, necessitating drastic action to be taken.
“Starting next month, I will go with personnel from the Public Health Section, zone councillors and the police to house owners whose 30-day notices have expired and take the necessary action. We have already given them sufficient time (to comply),” Sempurai told a press conference here yesterday.
He said their recent spot checks showed that many residents are rearing chicken at the backyard and some in front of their houses.
He lamented there are even those rearing ducks and fighting cocks.
He said the council allows people to keep not more than five chickens or other poultry for temporary
If necessary, compounds would be issued and their poultry confiscated. To me, poultry rearing in areas within SRDC’s jurisdiction has reached a critical stage, necessitating drastic action to be taken.
keeping and consumption, especially for mothers who are still in confinement and before any festival.
“Even then, they (residents) need to get written permission from the council through the Public Health Section and health inspector.”
The council chairman also urged residents to lodge official complaints with the council if they know of any neighbours rearing poultry without permission.
On indiscriminate dumping, he noted that the problem was especially glaring in Sibu Jaya where industrial waste and waste from renovation of houses were dumped by the roadsides and nothrough roads.
SRDC is working together with the neighbourhood watch committees and Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs) to tackle the issue, he said, adding that tip- offs from members of the public are also useful.
Touching on rabies, Sempurai reminded pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated at the various centres over the next couple of weeks.
Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, council chairman