MCA Youth has welcomed the government’s willingness to consider establishing a dedicated federal fund and introducing tax incentives to improve the welfare of stray animals, describing it as a positive step towards recognising animal welfare as a shared national responsibility.
The proposal follows recent discussions on strengthening support for animal welfare initiatives, including financial assistance for organisations caring for stray animals and measures to encourage greater public and private sector participation.
Animal welfare groups have long argued that limited funding and resources have hampered efforts to manage Malaysia’s growing stray population humanely.
However, MCA Youth Information Chief Neow Choo Seong said broad policy announcements must be backed by practical measures that directly benefit registered animal shelters and volunteers on the ground.
“The government should introduce targeted incentives to strengthen the work of registered animal shelters that have been carrying this responsibility for years despite limited resources,” he said.
Neow said assistance should go beyond maintenance grants and subsidies for animal feed. He proposed discounted electricity and water tariffs, exemptions from assessment rates where appropriate, tax deductions for corporate sponsors and public donations, as well as matching grant schemes to encourage greater community participation and private sector support.
He also urged local authorities to simplify and expedite the registration process for volunteer-run shelters so they can operate legally and access government assistance.
Neow said greater federal and state support should also be channelled towards Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programmes, which are widely recognised as one of the most humane and effective long-term methods of controlling stray animal populations.
“Sustainable funding for sterilisation campaigns, vaccinations and community education will help reduce the number of unwanted animals while improving public health and safety,” he remarked.
Beyond funding, Neow stressed that public education must remain a central pillar of any national animal welfare strategy.
“Buying or adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, not a passing novelty. Too many dogs and cats are abandoned once they are no longer puppies or kittens, require greater care, or owners simply lose interest. Irresponsible pet ownership remains one of the main causes of Malaysia’s growing stray population,” he stated.
He further called on the government to work with animal welfare organisations, schools and veterinary associations to strengthen responsible pet ownership campaigns and educate Malaysians on the lifelong responsibilities of caring for animals.
Neow also urged the authorities to take firm action against local councils found to have mistreated stray animals or allowed poor conditions at government-operated pounds.
“Reports of animals being abused, denied adequate food and water, or left emaciated while under official custody are unacceptable,” he said.
He added that local authorities entrusted with managing stray animals should be held to the highest welfare standards through regular inspections, transparent reporting and meaningful penalties for negligence or cruelty.
“A compassionate society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable. By supporting responsible shelters, expanding humane population management, promoting responsible pet ownership and enforcing proper welfare standards, Malaysia can build a more humane, responsible and civilised approach to animal welfare,” he said. ‒ July 22, 2026
Main image: The Star
