TUARAN: Villagers here are releasing their buffaloes to roam in search of their own water and grass to survive the dry spell.
The district is among the places affected by the current hot weather which had led to scarcity of food and water for the animals.
Farmer Mohd Faizal Abdullah, 60, said he had to let his buffalo find its own food and water due to the drought.
"This is to prevent livestock from starving and thirsting as the grass, which is the source of their food, near the pens has died .
"Water sources for drinking and wallowing are also bone dry."
The situation has been exacerbated by the many forest and bush fires in the area, some of which may kill the wandering animals trapped by them, said Faizal.
Last week, Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau called for the activation of the district's disaster centre.
The Sabah Meteorological department forecast the dry spell to continue until mid-year.