Perak will introduce a first-of-its-kind “feeder mapping” mobile application to better regulate the feeding of stray animals, alongside plans to make microchipping mandatory for all new dog licences in the state.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said the initiatives are part of a new, data-driven strategy aimed at managing the stray animal population in a more effective and humane manner.
The feeder mapping application, scheduled to be launched on Dec 28, will help authorities identify hotspots where stray animals are commonly fed across Perak. This information will allow for more structured and targeted planning for sterilisation programmes, monitoring and other intervention efforts.
Speaking at a press conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building, Ng said the app will also be used to educate the public on responsible feeding practices, particularly on maintaining cleanliness at feeding sites. She noted that many existing feeding areas have become breeding grounds for strays and a source of public complaints.
To encourage public participation, individuals who attend a briefing on the new application will receive a subsidised sterilisation voucher worth RM50, redeemable at four partner veterinary clinics.
In a related development, Ng said the state government is in the final stages of making microchipping a compulsory requirement for obtaining a dog licence. The proposal is currently undergoing legal review, with plans to gazette the regulation once the process is completed.
She added that the requirement will be implemented through subsidiary legislation to improve traceability and responsible pet ownership across the state.
