The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is considering a nationwide digital registration system for pet dogs using microchip technology, aiming to improve monitoring and management of dog ownership.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the initiative, led by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), will allow authorities to access comprehensive data on each dog, including ownership, licensing, vaccination, sterilisation, and health records.
She made the remarks during a Dewan Negara session, responding to a question on whether microchipping could be made mandatory to control breeding and empower local authorities to manage stray dogs and reduce animal attacks.
Aiman Athirah highlighted that capturing, reclaiming, adopting, or handing over stray dogs to NGOs, along with humane disposal, remains the most common and effective approach worldwide.
The ministry has allocated RM180,000 last year and RM130,000 this year to local authorities to support stray dog management campaigns. In the past year, 37,538 complaints were received, leading to 15,815 operations that captured 66,264 stray dogs. Of these, 19,354 were reclaimed by owners, handed over to the DVS, or adopted through foster programmes.
She also noted that training has been provided to local authority staff on ethical capture methods, safe handling, and adherence to animal welfare standards.
