GOPENG: Perak is in the process of examining and finalising two new policy-level initiatives aimed at reducing the stray animal population.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng (pic) announced that the first initiative is a proposal to make dog licences contingent on microchipping.
"This move aims to introduce a more transparent and responsible pet ownership system," she told reporters after officiating the Perak Pawsite Programme for the Teja constituency on Saturday (June 14).
"With microchipping, authorities will be able to trace the owner's identity, vaccination records, and neutering history.
"This would allow dogs to be identified and reunited with owners in the event of disturbances, loss, or complaints.
"It is also expected to reduce cases of owners abandoning their dogs after obtaining a licence, an act which burdens the community and state resources," she added.
The programme is being held from June 13 to June 15 from 9am to 5pm at Dewan Serbaguna Kg Baru Lawan Kuda, Gopeng. Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Gopeng assemblywoman Wong Chai Yi were also present.
Ng highlighted the second initiative, which involves implementing a feeder mapping system to recognise and regulate individuals who voluntarily feed stray animals.
Many feeders have been operating independently for years, often without proper coordination.
"In some cases, feeding areas have led to public complaints due to disturbances, hygiene issues, or increasing numbers of strays."
"Through this initiative, feeders will be encouraged to register officially with the cooperation of local authorities and animal welfare NGOs.
"This will help ensure that feeding areas are monitored, dogs in those zones are neutered, and cleanliness is maintained," she explained.
A basic digital platform will be developed to map feeding hotspots, allowing complaints to be addressed more effectively, aid to be channelled accurately, and intervention strategies to be planned in advance.
"This is not just a technical effort but also an acknowledgement of the community’s role and part of the state’s goal of transforming into a smart city," she said.
Ng added that the government is currently studying aspects such as cost implications, record management systems, and enforcement methods.
"We will finalise it by the end of the year. The priority is to develop a fair, efficient, and enforceable framework for long-term use," she said.
