SPAOH: Man’s best friend, dogs, could they be trained to guard farms and chase away marauding primates?
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is considering this idea to tackle the persistent problem of wild monkeys destroying fruit gardens in his Bukit Saban constituency.
Speaking at a Gawai Ngiling Bidai luncheon held at Rumah Mendit Unsu in Penom here yesterday, Uggah noted that most longhouse residents already keep dogs as pets, thus making the proposal practical and cost-effective.
“We have tried various options before, but to no avail. Let us think of how we can train dogs to guard our farms and chase these monkeys away.
“Monkeys are the main reason why many are reluctant to plant crops like corn and fruits in their gardens.
“We need an effective solution, especially with plans underway for a 1,000-acre agropark here,” he said.
Uggah also reminded dog owners to vaccinate their pets to keep Betong rabies-free.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Betong Datuk Dr Richard Rapu assured residents that their leaders are committed to addressing community concerns, such as occasional water and electricity supply interruptions and poor internet connectivity.
“As soon as we learn of these issues, we contact the relevant service providers for immediate rectifications,” he said.
Earlier, the event was attended by more than 600 people, including members of longhouse security and development committees, longhouse chief associations and women’s bureau committees.
The event also saw Uggah and Dr Richard presented their respective Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants, along with agricultural inputs to the respective recipients.
Uggah distributed 5,268 bags of fertiliser worth RM1.042 million to 439 pepper farmers from 51 longhouses and a portion of 3,960 bags of fertiliser worth RM249,480 to 165 oil palm planters from 45 longhouses.
