Govt to channel aid to family of 'Kampong Boy' following buffalo deaths

The government will provide necessary assistance to 'Kampong Boy' Muhammad Syukur Khamis' family, which has lost 50 buffaloes to a highly contagious bacterial infection.

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Ahmad Amzad Hashim said the death of the animals believed to be due to Haemorrhagic septicaemia, was a very serious matter, and should be given immediate attention to prevent it from spreading to other livestock.

"I have contacted the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries (Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi) and informed him about this .... he was very surprised by the latest development as it involves a huge number of deaths," he told reporters while inspecting the buffalo shed belonging to the family in Kampung Kubang Bujuk here today.

He said the priority was to ensure the buffaloes did not leave the shed and mix around with the livestock of other breeders due to the high risk of infection.

Ahmad Amzad, who is also Kuala Terengganu MP said he sympathised with the family's plight and was committed to ensuring the aid was provided as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Alor Limbat assemblyman Ariffin Deraman said the state government would also channel aid through a disaster fund to ease the family's burden.

"I have informed this matter to the Terengganu Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim...there will be assistance channeled for farmers and breeders affected by such disasters.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Syukur's father, Khamis Jusoh, 64, who has been looking after buffaloes for the past 50 years said he was grateful to the two leaders for taking the time to inspect the family farm and lending a helping hand.

"Yesterday, the Terengganu VSD (Veterinary Services Department) sent metal fencing to help us isolate the buffaloes, and tomorrow, the vaccine process will be done,” he said, adding that his other children had also returned to the village to help out during this difficult time.

Muhammad Syukur became a worldwide sensation among photographers a few years ago for his prowess in interacting with the over 100 buffaloes reared by his father.

A picture of him with a herd of the animals went viral on social media after it was voted best picture in Asia besides being shortlisted as among the top 20 photographs in the world.

-- BERNAMA