Johor plans stray animal shelters in every local authority area

The Johor state government is planning to create stray dog and cat shelters in every local authority area to ensure animal welfare and enhance public safety. The initiative is inspired by animal management practices in developed countries, including the Netherlands.

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MBJB is the only city council that has an animal quarantine center. It is an animal shelter where stray dogs and cats are captured, fed, treated, and neutered before they can be adopted.

Datuk Mohd. Jafni Md. Shukor, Chairman of the Johor Housing and Local Government Committee, stated that the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) is spearheading this effort, with its pilot shelter expected to be operational next month. This facility will serve as a place where stray animals are captured, fed, treated, and neutered before being made available for adoption.

Mohd. Jafni emphasized that the state aims to provide suitable locations for these animals and will implement the plan in phases, starting next year. He also welcomed collaboration with various agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure the success of the project and to guarantee the animals are healthy and free from disease.

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We are taking inspiration from what is done in developed countries, including the Netherlands, to ensure they do not reproduce uncontrollably.

In a related development, Mohd. Jafni mentioned plans to increase the number of smart CCTV cameras across Johor to improve safety and well-being. Currently, all 16 local authorities in Johor have achieved at least Smart City Level 1 recognition, with MBJB being the only one at Level 3. Pasir Gudang and Iskandar Puteri are working towards Level 2. The plan includes installing up to 5,000 smart CCTVs in the Greater Johor Bahru area and implementing smart traffic lights on congested routes.

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My aspiration is for us to have suitable locations for these animals, and we will do it in phases. We want to ensure these animals are healthy and free from disease.