KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 — The government is planning to make microchipping and animal identification cards mandatory for dogs before local councils issue dog licences, Mohamad Sabu told Parliament.
In a written Dewan Rakyat reply on February 12, the agriculture and food security minister said the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) are collaborating on a plan to require microchip installation for dogs prior to licensing by local authorities.
“A pilot project will be conducted to assess the feasibility of this initiative,” Mohamad said in response to Wong Shu Qi’s (PH-Kluang) question on whether the government plans to make electronic microchipping mandatory for cats and dogs at all veterinary clinics before vaccination as a measure to regulate stray animals.
Local council licensing refers to the annual permit issued by municipal authorities that allows dog ownership within their jurisdictions. In Malaysia, pet licensing by local councils generally applies only to dogs, not cats or most other common pets.
Under Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) by-laws, for example, dog owners must obtain an annual licence, register their dogs with identification tags, and ensure the animals are properly confined, leashed, and muzzled in public. The rules also limit the number of dogs per premises, allow authorities to seize stray or unlicensed dogs, and impose fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Similarly, under Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) regulations, all pet dogs must be licensed annually, wear official identification tags, and be kept within the owner’s premises except when leashed and muzzled outside. Dogs are barred from public places such as restaurants, malls, schools, apartments, and places of worship, with fines imposed for unlicensed or stray dogs and limits set on the number of dogs per household.
Mohamad said that at present, DVS does not make it compulsory to microchip dogs or cats before vaccination, although pet owners are encouraged to do so voluntarily.
“Currently, DVS does not make it mandatory to install microchips on dogs and cats before the administration of vaccines. However, dog and cat owners are encouraged to install microchips and obtain the Malaysia Animal Identification Card from state DVS veterinary clinics or private veterinary clinics appointed by DVS,” he said.
Mohamad added that the ministry, through DVS, remains committed to animal welfare and the regulation of stray animals nationwide.
