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Amid growing public debate and viral social media videos showing pets inside shopping malls, a local councillor has clarified that Selangor’s local council bylaws have never allowed malls to operate as pet-friendly spaces, stressing that the issue is one of licensing and environmental health, not religion.
Speaking to TRP, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) councillor Muhammad Shakir Ameer said standard licensing laws explicitly prohibit pets in shopping malls, which are classified as common public retail spaces. As such, the “pet-friendly mall” concept is not formally recognised or regulated by local councils and is not left to the discretion of mall operators.
“Standard licensing law doesn’t allow pets in malls,” the councillor said, adding that this condition has long been a requirement tied to operating licences.
Enforcement Is Part of Licensing Conditions
Responding to remarks by Selangor Exco Ng Suee Lim that pets are generally prohibited in malls, the councillor confirmed that this rule is indeed enforced, as it forms part of the licensing terms and conditions imposed by local councils.
When asked about public health, cleanliness, food safety, or hygiene standards that pet-friendly malls would need to comply with, Muhammad Shakir said such questions are not applicable, as malls are not permitted to allow pets in the first place.
Similarly, safeguards around food and beverage areas were deemed irrelevant under existing bylaws, since the presence of pets in malls is already disallowed.
Councils Must Be Informed But Approval Is Not Guaranteed
Muhammad Shakir stressed that if a mall intends to implement any concept involving pets, the local council must be informed prior to licensing approval.
“Of course the council must be informed. Before getting a licence, operators need to ensure all terms and conditions are adhered to,” he said, reiterating that approval would still hinge on compliance with existing bylaws — which currently do not allow pets in malls.
READ MORE: Paws Welcome: 10 Pet-Friendly Shopping Malls In Klang Valley To Explore With Your Fur Kid
Bylaws Are About Health, Not Religion
Addressing claims circulating online that pet restrictions are driven by religious considerations, the councillor rejected such narratives, saying local council bylaws are rooted in environmental health regulations.
“Council has its own bylaws. The bylaws are mainly about environmental health in general. Nothing to do with religion,” he said, adding that this position has been consistently maintained over the years.
On how authorities should respond to fears driven by perception rather than policy, he said transparency is key.
“The best way moving forward is telling the truth of the bylaws, which have been there since like forever,” he said.
No Blanket Exceptions for Malls
While some have argued for conditional approvals or zoning exemptions, the councillor was firm that malls do not qualify for such flexibility.
“For malls, no exceptions. Because malls are considered common spaces for retail purposes,” he explained.
This distinction also clarifies why certain animal-related businesses are allowed to operate within malls.
Why Pet Shops and Petting Zoos Are Allowed
Pet shops with grooming services or those that sell pets are licensed as enclosed commercial entities, with strict conditions that animals must be contained and not allowed to roam freely within mall premises.
“It’s to buy pets. It’s enclosed, and the condition is to keep them inside,” Muhammad Shakir explained.
Petting zoos in malls, such as those located in One Utama or IOI City Mall, operate under separate approvals. These facilities are enclosed, often located on upper floors, and require additional permits from other agencies such as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or Perhilitan, depending on the species involved.
“If other agencies support, then local councils will also allow it, with standard bylaws applied,” he said.
Sunway Square Enforcement Sparks Questions
Recent enforcement actions at Sunway Square Mall have drawn attention, especially as other malls appear to have operated pet-friendly areas openly for years.
Muhammad Shakir pointed to viral videos showing dogs defecating inside mall premises as an example of irresponsible behaviour by both pet owners and mall operators. He also noted that certain dog breeds, including pit bulls and American bullies, are banned under existing regulations.
However, the councillor declined to comment on whether Sunway or other malls had declared pet-friendly concepts during their licence applications, noting that the matter did not fall under Shah Alam’s jurisdiction.
READ MORE: Sunway Square Mall Makes Surprising Change – No More Pets Indoors
“No Pets in Malls” Has Always Been the Rule
In closing, the councillor emphasised that the controversy does not stem from new policies or sudden enforcement, but from longstanding laws that have always governed mall operations.
“The conclusion is no pets in malls and it’s a pre-existing law that has existed from the very beginning,” he said.
As debates around lifestyle trends and public spaces continue, local councils maintain that operators must act responsibly and comply with licensing guidelines, especially in shared environments used by the general public.
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No Pets Allowed: Councillor Clarifies Why Pet-Friendly Malls Are Not Permitted Under Local Bylaws
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