KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Malaysia faces a critical shortage of veterinary professionals, as the ratio of approximately 2,500 active practitioners serving a 33-million population falls significantly below international standards.
At its annual conference and annual general meeting (AGM) held over the weekend here, the Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (Mavma) also raised the impact of the sales and service tax (SST) on veterinary clinics and the livestock industry, as a matter of food security and safety.
“We urge the government to consider broader exemptions for feed ingredients beyond soybean to alleviate burdens on producers, mitigate inflationary pressures on food prices, and safeguard national interests,” said Mavma in a statement.
The Finance Ministry said in a recent statement that animal feed, including raw soybeans, has been exempted from the SST, adding that other raw materials used in the formulation of animal feed are under review.
The 2025 Mavma conference also highlighted societal issues impacting the veterinary community, including advancements in animal welfare, promoting mental health awareness among practitioners, and tackling the challenges of cyberbullying.
“A key highlight of the AGM was the election and announcement of the new Mavma leadership team, who will serve for the 2025-2027 term. This dynamic team is poised to lead Mavma in its mission to advance veterinary science, promote animal welfare, and support its members.”
Newly elected Mavma president Dr Chee Liung Wun said Mavma, as the representative voice for all veterinarians in Malaysia, was committed to building on its significant progress.
“Our new leadership will prioritise supporting all veterinarians across generations, while vigorously tackling the critical workforce shortage, advancing animal welfare, promoting mental health, combating cyberbullying, and championing food security and safety by addressing the impact of policies like the SST on our profession and the livestock sector,” he said.
The newly elected Mavma leadership for the 2025-2027 term is as follows:
- Past President: Dr Helen Mitin (Department of Veterinary Services [DVS])
- President: Dr Chee Liung Wun (Industry)
- Vice President: Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Noor (DVS)
- Hon Secretary: Assoc Prof Dr Rozaihan Mansor (Universiti Putra Malaysia [UPM])
- Hon Treasurer: Dr Michelle Fong (UPM)
- Asst Hon Secretary: Dr Puteri Azaziah (UPM) and Dr Rachel Fong (Industry)
- Asst Hon Treasurer: Dr Ng Heng Yang (Industry)
- Editor: Assoc Prof Dr Ooi Peck Toung (UPM)
Exco:
- Dr Mohd Hishammfariz Mohd Amin (DVS)
- Dr Reuben Sharma (UPM)
- Dr Dennis Lim Chang Wai (Industry)
- Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Farhan Hanif (Universiti Malaysia Kelantan [UMK])
- Dr Nurul Hayah Khairuddin (UPM)
- Dr Wilmot Sasindran Dass (Industry)
