IPOH: An animal welfare group has voiced strong support for the government’s proposed pilot project on mandatory pet microchipping.
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) president R. Kalaivanan said the move must form of a centralised and enforceable national traceability system to be truly effective.
He added that the microchipping project should not become merely an administrative exercise.
“Without a unified national database and clear legal accountability, the system risks becoming symbolic rather than effective,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. (Feb 17)
Recently, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said the government is considering making it compulsory for pet dogs to be microchipped and issued with identification cards to obtain a licence from the relevant local authorities.
Mohamad had said that the Veterinary Services Department, together with the Housing and Local Government Ministry is currently developing the initiative.
Kalaivanan said the pilot project requires a centralised federal database, uniform licensing across local authorities, clear legal links between microchips and owner liability, formal ownership transfer rules, and phased rollout with nationwide public education.
He said a properly designed traceability framework would enhance enforcement capabilities, improve coordination among regulators, and create clearer accountability for pet ownership.
“This is not just about microchips. It is about building a transparent and enforceable ownership system that can stand the test of time.
“SAFM is ready to work with both ministries through structured consultations to help develop the project into a scalable and sustainable nationwide model aligned with international best practices,” he said.
