MVC to enlist cops to tackle bogus vets

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KUCHING: The Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC) will work with the police, specifically with Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), to tackle the problem of bogus vets, said Malaysian Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Kamaruddin Md Isa.

“Even though the number of bogus vets is not many, we do not want just anybody who are not trained to be into veterinary practices.

“It will not only endanger the animals, but also themselves as they are not equipped with the skills and knowledge.

“Bogus vets are not only unlawful but it is also not fair for those who have undergone studies for five years or more to be a vet,” he told reporters after officiating at the 28th Veterinary Association of Malaysia (VAM) Congress at a leading hotel here yesterday.

Dr Kamaruddin said at the moment there were around 2,300 veterinarians in the country who are registered with MVC.

“There are two universities conducting the veterinary course, namely Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Malaya Kelantan.

“They produce around 150 graduates per year, and these graduates enter the field with not much problem as there are many areas that need them, including those in the government and private sectors. Some even set up their own veterinary clinics,” he said.

Dr Kamaruddin said all vets were registered under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1974, and MVC’s role was to register and manage them. Every year the veterinarians would have to renew their animal practising certificate.

“They cannot practice if they do not have the certificate,” he pointed out.

Dr Kamaruddin believed that with the increase in household pets and livestock animals, there were more job opportunities in the veterinary field.

“There is need for more veterinarians, but we do not want a sudden increase in the number of graduates. So far, the amount is workable, but there is room for growth,” he noted.

The annual conference is a three-day event that started on Friday. Several issues pertaining to the industry are discussed, with around 400 participants who come from all over the country as well as some Asean countries.