MBKS mayor: Ban on pets in eateries will enhance public hygiene

Wee engaging the community through his ShallWeeTalk online session on May 11, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, May 11: The Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024, which enforces a ban on animals or pets entering any food premises, will significantly enhance public hygiene.

According to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, there have been numerous complaints on social media that some individuals have been seen bringing their pets to coffee shops, cafes, and other establishments, which can be considered unhygienic.

“Bringing pets or animals into public places will result in some unsanitary conditions.

“I believe the overall issue is one of public hygiene and cleanliness. As a result, we need to enhance public hygiene,” Wee said during his 215th ShallWeeTalk, which was streamed live on his official Facebook page today.

The mayor further emphasised that now that the Bill has been passed in DUS, there is no need for anyone to politicise the issue outside of the DUS sitting.

For the record, the Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) on May 7.

The Bill prohibits animals or pets from entering any food premises and significantly increases penalties related to public health violations to RM10,000.

Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, when introducing the amendment bill, emphasised that Section 2 of the Strata Title Ordinance 1995 will be amended to reflect the new Strata (Subsidiary Titles) Ordinance 2019.

The proposed amendments aim to bolster provisions concerning licensing and cleanliness of food premises, with amendment to Section 23 by adding a new sub-paragraph (3), which is to prohibit animals or pets from entering food premises. — DayakDaily