Animal Welfare Groups Urge Bigger Funding As Govt Considers Pet Tax Relief

By Lara Kramer  •  04 Aug 2026 in News

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Animal welfare organisations and pet owners have welcomed the government’s willingness to consider a dedicated fund and tax incentives aimed at reducing the financial burden of pet ownership while strengthening support for stray animal welfare.

The proposal comes after Prime Minister’s Office political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin highlighted the lack of dedicated government funding for animal welfare, leaving many NGOs and shelters to rely heavily on donations and their own resources to rescue and care for abandoned animals.

Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) president Kalaivanan A/L Ravichandran said any proposed fund must be substantial enough to deliver long-term results rather than functioning as a small, one-off grant.

He stressed that large-scale sterilisation programmes should receive the biggest share of funding, as preventing uncontrolled breeding is key to managing Malaysia’s growing stray population.

Kalaivanan suggested an initial allocation of at least RM50 million, with annual funding eventually increasing to RM100 million. He said the money should primarily support sterilisation, vaccination, and animal identification programmes.

He also proposed tax relief for essential veterinary procedures, while excluding cosmetic treatments and grooming services.

However, he cautioned against introducing a blanket tax exemption for pet food.

Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) coordinator Jonathan Yeoh said government assistance could significantly reduce the financial pressure faced by shelters, although public donations would likely remain necessary.

PAWS currently cares for more than 500 cats and dogs, and spends around RM80,000 each month on operational costs as expenses continue to rise and donations decline.

Yeoh said consistent funding could help animal shelters move beyond temporary rescue efforts and provide more organised, sustainable care. However, he added that financial support alone would not solve the issue, calling for tighter regulations on animal breeding and stronger enforcement.

Malaysia Animal Association president Dr Arie Dwi Andika said his organisation had never received financial support from either the government or private companies despite working with local councils on stray animal management for years.

The association largely depends on its own members, who often contribute personal funds to keep its programmes running.

Pet owners also welcomed the proposal, with some calling for direct subsidies rather than relying solely on tax exemptions.

Munirah Bakar, who has cared for four rescued cats since 2020, said she spends around RM150 a month on each cat for food, treats, and litter. She also pays approximately RM200 per cat for sterilisation and RM65 annually for vaccinations.

While she welcomed the proposed fund, Munirah suggested that a subsidy system similar to MyKasih could provide more immediate and accessible support for pet owners. She also urged the government to expand sterilisation campaigns, describing existing initiatives as too limited.

Meanwhile, cat owner Adam Isma, who spends roughly RM200 a month caring for his pet, said veterinary expenses should also be included in any tax relief scheme, particularly as procedures such as neutering can be costly.

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