Sime Darby Plantation stands firm on banning livestock grazing

 

Sime Darby Plantations (SDP) is standing firm on its decision against the demand of 150 farmers to allow their livestock to graze on its land.

The plantation giant told Malaysiakini that the decision was based on several factors, including safety concerns.

According to the company, the free-roaming cattle have caused road accidents involving their employees and damaged office areas, residential units, and fencing at its estates.

“The children’s playground and recreational spaces have been damaged, and the young palm trees have become fodder for the cattle to trample upon and destroy,” SDP added.

Yesterday, 150 farmers from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Malacca descended on the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry in Putrajaya, demanding an end to the Zero Cattle Programme (ZCP).

This was over notices recently issued by the company banning livestock from grazing on Sime Darby-owned farms.

Elaborating, SDP said that since 2019, the company held 46 meetings with cattle owners from 65 areas on the peninsula, intending to seek cooperation in controlling their livestock.

“Representatives from local municipal councils and the local police also attended some of the meetings to explain the issue of trespassing and the action that can be taken.

“The meetings culminated in several livestock breeders cooperating by removing the animals, and SDP assured that ample time was given to the farmers to comply with the directive.

“We would like to emphasise that the removal of cattle from our premises was not carried out arbitrarily by SDP but was an action taken by the local authorities following our reports.

“(The action) was to prevent any risk of damage or accidents from occurring,” said the company, adding that it remains committed to upholding the highest safety and security standards for its workers and premises. - Mkini