Malaysia ministry lobbying for more animal hospitals

“We are campaigning to create more awareness on animal welfare but we must also have the facilities,” said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

The yardstick to measure a nation’s success is not just by the number of roads built, but also by how its people respect and treat living beings, he said.

He said the ministry would propose for more government veterinary hospitals to be built nationwide.

The proposal, he said, would be forwarded to the Economic Planning Unit to be part of the next 12th Malaysia Plan. The public veterinary hospital is located in Cheras .

However, there are veterinary clinics in every district nationwide, he said after attending the inaugural national level Animal Day celebration at the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Hospital in Cheras yesterday.

This is in conjunction with the World Animal Day celebration, which falls on October 4 annually.

A number of events were held, such as demonstrations on dog obedience training and an adoption drive for cats and dogs.

Ahmad Shabery said Malaysia had also strengthened legislation to protect animals. With the Animal Welfare Act, which will be enforced next year, Ahmad Shabery said abuse and cruelty against animals would no longer be tolerated.

-  The Star

Asia News Network