Putrajaya: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) today signed a Joint Statement to enhance strategic cooperation in animal health management, biodiversity conservation, and zoonotic disease control through the One Health approach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the document exchange ceremony took place during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA 2026) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS). Veterinary Services director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron stated that the collaboration, involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), will serve as the primary platform for planning, implementing, and monitoring structured activities.
He emphasized that the One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, especially with the complex interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans. The collaboration combines DVS's expertise in veterinary and disease control with PERHILITAN's proficiency in wildlife management and ecology, offering a solid foundation for understanding risks and determining effective actions.
The partnership aims to strengthen control over zoonotic diseases and concerns such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African Swine Fever (ASF), rabies, and Nipah through field monitoring, sampling, and laboratory testing. The ceremony was attended by key officials, including KPKM deputy secretary-general (development) Datuk Luqman Ahmad, NRES deputy secretary-general (natural resources) Datuk Khalid Mohamed, and PERHILITAN deputy director-general (conservation) Datuk Fakhrul Hatta Musa.
Mohd Noor Hisham highlighted the importance of this step in enhancing preparedness for cross-border diseases and emergency situations like floods, landslides, and forest fires, which impact animal habitats and welfare. The integration of veterinary expertise also aims at conserving, rehabilitating, and translocating endangered animals such as the Malayan Tiger, elephant, tapir, and seladang before their relocation or release into natural habitats.
The collaboration also addresses human-wildlife conflicts through expert support for capture, relocation, and safety guidance, with ongoing training and joint risk assessments to enhance staff competencies. Mohd Noor Hisham underscored the significance of data and technology integration in animal health, population distribution, and environmental factors to support evidence-based decision-making.
He concluded by expressing hope that this structured and continuous collaboration will contribute to public health protection, livestock industry strengthening, and overall biodiversity sustainability. The 14th edition of MAHA, a biennial event, will run for 10 days from August 28 to September 6, serving as a platform for the agricultural sector to showcase innovation, technology, and business opportunities in the agri-food sector.