Izah Azahari
The issue of stray animals needs to be addressed with a whole-of-government approach said Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Yang Berhormat Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman during yesterday’s 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Daud bin Jihan raised the issue.
The minister in his reply said one of the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the municipal departments and district offices is negotiating with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and Economy and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) in finding a large space to house the stray dogs that were caught. “Currently, in the Subok area, there is an area of 5.2 acres. However, it is not large enough as the number of dogs being caught is increasing, and the monthly cost of their food is quite high,” said the minister.
The minister said that revenue from annual dog licences is being used, and that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or volunteers help by donating for the upkeep of stray dogs.
The minister added that municipal departments and district offices will continue to work together to ensure that these dogs do not stray, and that the ministry is thankful for the cooperation from NGOs.
