Melaka: The Melaka state government has introduced the Livestock QR Tag system as a measure to strengthen livestock monitoring and facilitate the identification of owners in the event of incidents involving livestock in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Chief Minister Department (JKMM) chief assistant secretary of the Local Government Unit (UKT) Mahathir Mustafa stated that the initiative, in collaboration with the Melaka Veterinary Services Department (JPV), is a result of an idea from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. This initiative is part of the state government's digitalisation agenda to enhance the effectiveness of livestock management and enforcement.
The implementation of the Quick Response (QR) Tag facilitates authorities in identifying livestock owners more quickly and accurately and enhances the level of responsibility of breeders towards the animals they keep. Mahathir Mustafa emphasized that this new approach is systematic and efficient, aligning with Melaka's aspiration to be a smart and livable state.
Commenting further, Mahathir said that each registered livestock will be fitted with tags containing QR codes and unique identification numbers, allowing basic farming information to be accessed immediately through smartphone scanning. As of early June this year, 2,000 livestock had been fitted with QR Tags, with the state government aiming to expand the implementation to cover the entire registered population of cows and buffaloes in Melaka, estimated to number over 32,000.
The system also aids in monitoring livestock movement, disease control, and strengthening enforcement against stray livestock issues that can jeopardize community safety and well-being. Mahathir highlighted the rise in cases involving stray livestock, which pose a potential threat to road users' safety and invite public complaints.
Since 2023, a total of 835 accidents involving livestock and more than 50 complaints regarding stray animals have been recorded in Melaka. These statistics indicate the need for a more effective mechanism to ensure livestock owners can be identified immediately when an incident occurs. With the QR Tag, authorities can directly obtain basic information such as the breeder's name, premises ID, and farm location using a smartphone.
Mahathir explained that the tag will remain the official identity of the livestock for the animal's entire life and does not need to be changed even if there is a sale or transfer of ownership. The new owner's information only needs to be updated in the eVetPermit Malaysia system to ensure ownership records are always accurate and up-to-date.
The project has received positive feedback from breeders who see the system as a step to protect their interests and improve the image of the state's livestock industry. Close cooperation between UKT, JPV, and local authorities (PBT) is crucial for the smooth implementation of the initiative and achieving the set objectives.
The state government is committed to expanding the use of technology in various sectors, including livestock farming, to ensure efficient, transparent, and effective service delivery to the people. To encourage breeders' participation in the programme, the state government will fully cover the cost of installing QR Tags at RM6.50 each until the end of this year. After the introduction period ends, breeders will bear the cost of new installations or tag replacements at RM5 per head starting in 2027.