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The government is considering introducing a special federal fund for animal welfare NGOs as well as tax incentives for pet owners to strengthen the management of stray animals and support responsible pet ownership
Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Azman Abidin said many animal welfare organisations and shelters currently rely on donations and volunteers because they do not receive dedicated government funding to rescue and care for stray animals.
"This effort does not merely assist the government; we recognise that owners view these pets as family members, providing them with adequate care and food.
"With special funding, we can require organisations to adhere to standard operating procedures to secure grants while improving animal management practices," he said after officiating the 'Dialogue with Government Agencies, NGOs, and Pet Industry Players (Cats and Dogs)' in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 20 July.
Azman said the pet industry is growing rapidly, creating economic opportunities in sectors such as pet food and veterinary services, while reflecting changing lifestyle trends
However, he stressed that the industry's growth must be accompanied by ethical and responsible pet ownership to safeguard public health, community safety, and harmony.
"Pet welfare issues cannot be tackled in isolation. They demand collaboration across government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, veterinarians, industry players, academia, and the public," he said, as reported by the New Straits Times.
He added that the concerns raised will be compiled into an official proposal for submission to the government
Among those present at the dialogue were Department of Veterinary Services deputy director-general Dr Aida Muhid, Malaysian Animal Association president Dr Arie Dwi Andika, and DBKL Health and Environment Department director Dr Nor Halizam Ismail.
Meanwhile, NGO representative Jurieena Abdul Rani said government financial support is crucial for organisations that assist local councils in managing stray animal populations.
"This platform allows us to highlight ongoing challenges and ensure senior officials understand the realities faced on the ground," she said.
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