Kota Kinabalu: Plans to establish the district’s first animal welfare centre have moved a step closer after State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar pledged his full support for the project and directed the Ranau District Office to prepare a Bill of Quantities (BQ) for its proposed Phase 1 development.
The commitment was made during a meeting with the Ranau Animal Protection and Welfare Association (PPKHR), held in conjunction with the presentation of grazing assistance, the launch of a kitchen garden and a pet vaccination campaign at the Ranau District Veterinary Services Department.
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PPKHR chairperson Naomi said the minister reviewed the association’s detailed proposal before instructing the District Office to prepare the BQ, paving the way for the project’s implementation.
“The strong support from Datuk Jamawi shows that the State Government is serious about animal welfare. This is no longer just a dream,” she said.
She also thanked Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam and the District Office for their willingness to work with the association to realise the proposed animal welfare centre.
Naomi said PPKHR remains committed to working closely with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, particularly Sections 14, 18 and 22, which deal with animal cruelty and neglect.
She also expressed appreciation to Sabah DVS Veterinary Welfare and Public Health Division Head Farah Diana, Biosecurity Division Head Dr Naomi, and Ranau Veterinary Services Department officer Junainah Adam for their continued support, particularly in organising pet vaccination programmes and public awareness campaigns.
Naomi said collaboration between government agencies and non-governmental organisations was vital in promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare in the district.
She added that PPKHR is ready to serve as a strategic partner to the Government in efforts to reduce the stray animal population and expand community awareness programmes throughout Ranau.
