Passports for Malaysian pets

Malaysia may make it compulsory for owners of pets to have a passport for the animals, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said today.

He said the document would provide for a complete data collection of pets, help contain viral diseases and assist in tracking down missing pets, among others.

"We would discuss this initiative with local authorities and responsible bodies before the Animal Welfare Bill is tabled in Parliament, possibly next year," he told reporters after opening the World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) 3rd Global Conference on Animal Welfare, here.

Noh said that currently pet owners in the country could obtain the pet passport on a voluntary basis, from veterinary hospitals and registered private veterinary clinics.

At today's event, Noh also launched the National Animal Welfare Strategic Plan 2012-2020 which, among others, aims to ensure that the welfare of animals in the country was in line with the law and regulations.

The comprehensive guidelines include strategic approaches towards moulding a caring society that is concerned about the welfare of animals.

Noh said that the ministry was keen that the plan be emulated by countries attending the two-day conference. About 400 people from 70 countries across the globe are taking part in the event.

In another development, he said the ministry was ready to face the flood season, with the necessary measures having been put in place.

"Compensation for crops damaged or destroyed by the floods will be handled by the National Security Council. At the ministry, we collect information on those affected," he said.