Pet friendly premises must continue to comply strictly with Malaysia’s food safety and licensing laws, Subang Jaya City Council Mayor Dato Amirul Azizan Dato Sri Abd Rahim has stressed, amid growing interest in pet friendly cafes and commercial spaces.
Dato Amirul said that while MBSJ welcomes inclusive and community driven concepts, public health and hygiene standards remain non negotiable, particularly in food premises.
“Any premises involved in food preparation or food service must adhere to the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 made under the Food Act 1983,” he said.
He pointed to Rule 8(1)(c), which requires all food premises to clearly display a notice at the entrance prohibiting the entry of animals.
“This rule exists to ensure hygiene by keeping animals away from food handling and preparation areas. It is a fundamental safeguard against contamination from animal hair, dander or droppings,” he said when asked to comment on state Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim’s statement that the ban on bringing pets into shopping malls in Selangor remains in place.
Dato Amirul explained that the requirement applies to all food premises, including restaurants, cafes and stalls, and that the notice must be clearly visible to the public.
In addition, he said premises operators are legally obligated to maintain a pest free environment at all times under Rule 16(1) of the same regulations.
“Owners or occupiers of food premises must act immediately if pests are detected, and take effective steps to destroy them and prevent reinfestation, using methods that do not compromise food safety,” he said.
According to the mayor, this provision covers insects, rodents and other pests, and forms a critical part of Malaysia’s food hygiene framework.
“These measures are not bureaucratic red tape. They protect public health, ensure legal compliance and safeguard the reputation of food businesses,” he said, noting that failure to comply is an offence that may result in fines or imprisonment.
Dato Amirul also reminded pet owners that licensing requirements remain in force within Subang Jaya.
Under the Undang Undang Kecil Pelesenan Anjing dan Rumah Pembiakan Anjing (Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya) 2007, all dogs aged three months and above must be licensed with MBSJ.
“Pet ownership comes with responsibility. Licensing helps the council manage animal welfare, public safety and community harmony,” he said.
Dato Amirul said MBSJ will continue enforcement and public education efforts to ensure that the growth of pet friendly spaces does not compromise hygiene standards or the wellbeing of the wider community.
Meanwhile
Sunway Square Mall revises pet policy following state directive
Sunway Square Mall has announced an immediate revision to its pet policy, restricting pets from enclosed indoor areas of the mall in line with a state directive reaffirmed by Selangor State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim.
Under the revised rules, pets are no longer permitted inside the mall’s indoor premises. Pet access is limited to a designated outdoor pet friendly area known as Squirrel’s Playground, located at Sunway South Quay Lake.
The mall clarified that pets may accompany their owners only when transiting between the car park at Basement 3 and Basement 4 and the designated outdoor zone. Such movement will be guided by the mall’s security team to ensure compliance with safety and hygiene requirements.
Management said the decision follows the state government’s directive and reflects the mall’s obligation to adhere to existing regulations governing public and commercial spaces.
Sunway Square Mall also issued an apology for any inconvenience caused, thanking the community for its understanding as the mall complies with the directive while continuing to serve visitors with care and respect.
The announcement marks a shift from earlier perceptions of Sunway Square Mall as a pet friendly destination and is expected to have implications for pet owners who frequent the area, particularly those visiting indoor retail and dining outlets.