PETALING JAYA: Not everyone is comfortable in the presence of pets.
While animals are welcome in designated pet cafes, their presence in public spaces or food premises often raises mixed reactions.
Regular cafe customer Mariyam Jumoke Taofeeq, 19, shared her concerns, especially since she is allergic to cat fur.
“I’m worried about cleanliness when owners bring pets into public places,” she said.
Her views reflect why many local councils and public health authorities impose strict regulations on allowing pets in certain places, such as enclosed areas and public places.
Licensing rules and by-laws commonly prohibit animals inside food premises for hygiene reasons, with some explicitly stating “no pets allowed” in their licensing conditions.
In Sarawak, for instance, the Protection of Public Health Ordinance specifically prohibits pets from entering food premises, with penalties of up to RM10,000 for violations.
Similarly, the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) food establishment licensing regulations prohibit keeping or bringing animals inside food outlets.
Different councils could have different laws on this matter, or apply different restrictions, as under the Local Government Act 1976, each local council has the power to issue its own guidelines for food establishments.
A public health specialist says there are medical reasons behind such rules.
Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh explained that fur-carrying pets can spread allergens that worsen asthma, eczema and respiratory issues.
Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly face higher risks.
“To stay safe, people should be cautious when interacting with animals to avoid injuries and pet owners must ensure their animals receive regular veterinary care and vaccinations.
“People with weakened immune systems should avoid handling pets and take extra precautions,” added Dr Sharifa Ezat.
Veterinarians also cautioned about the risks of being with pets in shared spaces.
A veterinarian from Klang said that while pets may not always pose a direct danger, aggressive behaviour or parasites such as fleas and ticks could create problems.
“Some people are reactive to allergens trapped in pet fur.
“They may experience a runny nose, watery eyes or breathing difficulty, especially in enclosed areas,” he said.
He added that in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting, it is not considered civil to bring pets into restaurants or public spaces, unless clearly designated as pet-friendly.
Fortunately, pet lovers do have options. Several malls in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are known to be pet-friendly.
However, owners must keep pets leashed at all times and check current mall policies, as regulations may change.
Closer interaction: Animal lovers can go to a designated pet cafe like this one in Kuala Lumpur.
