Selangor state executive councillor for local government and tourism Ng Suee Lim appears to have changed his tune on whether pets are allowed at shopping malls in the state.
This is after Sunway Square Mall issued a statement, citing a “directive” reaffirmed by Ng, and changed its pet-friendly policy to only allow animal companions at a park in its vicinity.
Yesterday, Ng was widely reported as saying that a ban on pets in Selangor malls is still in place.
“Not yet, not yet (allowed), all this while (the rule) remains, stating (pets) are not allowed and so on, but there are some people, one or two, who violate it.
“But so far we do not openly have a policy, or a guideline that can be followed,” he said, according to a video published by Selangor state media.
He added that the state was open to having discussions on pet-friendly malls.
His remarks were then reported as a “ban” being in place, including by Media Selangor.
There were no corrections or clarifications from Lim or his office regarding this line of reporting yesterday.
However, in a statement today, that was published on his Chinese Facebook account, Ng said that in Selangor, there are “no specific regulations governing pets in shopping malls”.
“I emphasised in yesterday’s interview that it depends on the situation and the times, and whether it is necessary to draft such guidelines should be discussed,” he said.
Ng also clarified that at present, many malls don’t allow pets as restaurants inside are required by the federal government’s Food Hygiene Regulation 2009 to ensure there are no animals within the premises.
Creating pet-friendly policies
The DAP politician also denied issuing any orders to shopping malls to change their pet-friendly policies.
Instead, Ng said he has only invited mall management to meet and discuss how pet-friendly public spaces can be created,
“We hope to create a harmonious environment where pets are happy, people feel assured, and businesses feel at ease,” he said.
He added that several local councils in Selangor have also drafted pet-friendly policies to meet growing demand for such venues.
Ng’s statement came hours after Sunway Square Mall announced its change in policy.
The mall has since reissued its announcement, but this time without any reference to Ng’s remarks yesterday.
Sunway Square Mall, which is in Subang, sparked a debate on social media after viral videos showing animals, including dogs, all around the premises. - Mkini
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