Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is exploring the implementation of an integrated digital registration system for pet dogs using microchip technology. Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that the technology, spearheaded by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), aims to streamline the recording of dog ownership details and monitor the animals' status more efficiently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed system will allow access to comprehensive ownership data and the status of each dog, including information on owners, licensing, vaccination, sterilisation, and monitoring records from time to time. This announcement was made during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara when responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid. The senator inquired about the government's preparedness to make microchip installation mandatory for breeding control and to grant clear authority to local authorities (PBT) for managing the stray dog population to reduce the risk of animal attacks.
Aiman Athirah highlighted that the current approach for controlling the growing stray dog population includes capturing, reclaiming, adopting, or handing over stray dogs to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as humane disposal. These methods are widely practised in many countries.
Earlier, Aiman Athirah mentioned that the KPKT had allocated RM180,000 last year and RM130,000 this year to the local authorities involved in supporting the stray dog management campaign. The campaign aims to strengthen public awareness and foster responsible pet ownership to prevent the abandonment of pet dogs.
She also reported that a total of 37,538 complaints related to stray dog nuisances were received over the past year. During this period, 15,815 operations were conducted, resulting in the successful capture of 66,264 stray dogs through integrated operations. Of this number, 19,354 dogs were handed over to the DVS, reclaimed by their owners, or adopted through the foster dog programme.
Additionally, training was provided to local authority personnel involved in stray dog-catching operations, including instruction on the ethical use of equipment, safe capture techniques, and adherence to animal welfare standards.