Animal house: Pet-friendly cafe operators on Penang island are treading a fine line between appealing to pet lovers and managing the potential risks of permitting animals in places that serve food. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Over 20 cafes and restaurants on Penang island allow pets, prompting the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to formalise a policy on pet-friendly eateries even though federal food hygiene regulations prohibit animals at restaurants.
MBPP city councillor Tan Soo Siang, who is the council’s Public Health Standing Committee alternate chairman, said the local authority was the first in the country to adopt a pet-friendly policy for food premises.
Currently, the policy is only applicable to eateries based on Penang island. No pet-friendly policies exist for premises located on the mainland.
“Operators of pet-friendly cafes must display a notice indicating that pets are allowed so that people with allergies or who are afraid of animals can avoid such places.”
However, Regulation 8(1)(c) of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, gazetted under the Food Act 1983, stipulates that “a proprietor, owner or occupier of food premises shall conspicuously display a notice, at the entrance of the food premises that disallows any person from bringing any animal into the food premises”.
Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Tan said MBPP approved a working paper in March allowing pets to be brought into food premises, although discussions with the Penang Health Department were still ongoing to address conflicts with provisions under the Food Act.
“At the moment, a pet-friendly eatery operates under a normal cafe licence, with operators declaring themselves pet-friendly.
“From the council’s side, there is no issue as long as hygiene and safety requirements are met. We are still engaging with the Health Ministry and studying the matter further,” she said.
Aside from food premises, the Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists about 10 accommodation providers on its website that allow pets.
Gurney Paragon Mall allows pets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to conditions including that pets be carried at all times, wear pet diapers and use designated elevators.
Earlier this month, a mall in the Klang Valley announced a pet-friendly policy, but the Selangor government directed it to halt the move following public criticism.
In Penang, cafe owner Jarren Tan, 38, who operates two outlets in Lebuh Campbell, said animals were introduced into his eateries in 2023, initially as part of plans to set up a mini zoo, before evolving into a dining concept.
“Some of the animals started out as pets, but as they grew, we needed more space.
“Seeing visitors’ interest sparked the idea of combining education with dining. We want to help change misconceptions about certain animals, such as exotic reptiles.”
Tan said one of his cafes houses reptiles, insects and small mammals in enclosures across a three-storey building, with the dining area kept separate.
At his other outlet, diners can interact with more than 20 long-haired dachshunds. Notices are displayed at the entrances and customers are informed in advance that animals are present.
“Food preparation areas are strictly separated, and kitchen staff do not handle the animals.
“Dedicated caretakers are responsible for the animals and do not handle food,” he said.
Restaurant owner WL Lim, 34, said having cats at her premises helped create a relaxed environment for customers.
“Many customers come specifically to spend time with the cats.
“We make sure pets are kept away from food preparation areas, and customers are informed before they enter,” she said.
A check on the Internet shows pet-friendly dining concepts are common in countries such as Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
