PUTRAJAYA: More stringent requirements await prospective veterinarians as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) plans to introduce measures to maintain the standards of practice. This includes an examination for overseas graduates wanting to practise here and giving clearance to Malaysians wishing to study abroad.
“We’re still discussing the possibility of introducing a requirement for them to sit for an examination.
“Before they can register for annual practicing certificate (APC), they will need to pass that examination,” DVS director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Harun said when met at the sidelines of the Malaysian Animal Welfare Regulatory Symposium at the Global Animal Production and Veterinary Industry Summit (Gavis) 2026 yesterday.
He said this proposed requirement would apply to Malaysians who had graduated from universities abroad.
However, Dr Mohd Noor Hisham added that the proposal has not been finalised.
“Once they obtain their APC, they’re allowed to work, and within two years they can potentially open their own clinic.
“We’re still designing what the examination should look like. Nothing has been finalised yet,” he said.
He added that there are plans to introduce a No Objection Certificate for those wishing to further their studies abroad to maintain the quality of prospective students.
These certificates would be issued through the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC).
“The reason for this restriction is that some overseas universities have very low entry requirements for veterinary programmes.
“We’ve encountered graduates who failed Biology studying veterinary (programmes). We cannot accept that standard when, in Malaysia, our entry requirement for veterinary programmes is very high.
“Even foundation programme applicants typically need a (CGPA of) 3.8 or above,” he said, adding that these requirements have not been implemented fully.
On a separate note, the 1st Malaysian Animal Welfare Regulatory Symposium at Gavis 2026 discussed inconsistent operational enforcement and regulatory challenges for pet owners.
Chairman of the symposium, Dr Amilan Sivagurunathan, highlighted that as more people are keeping pets at home, there is a need for a structured framework to ensure inclusivity for animals in the urban environment.
“This platform was designed to exchange ideas, address regulatory challenges and ultimately produce a white paper that can be submitted to the relevant authorities based on the recommendations put forward.
“The aim is to advance urban animal management, strengthen animal welfare and promote responsible pet ownership,” he said.
