AMPANG JAYA: Veganism can reduce environmental footprint and improve the lives of animals, the Selangor Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said today.
In a statement, Selangor SPCA farm animal welfare programme manager Wong Ee Lynn said the chapter was putting in a concerted effort to promote a "plant-based" lifestyle among Malaysians.
"Ninety-nine per cent of animals killed by humans is for food. One per cent is killed in pounds, shelters or laboratories as well as other purposes other than food.
"While SPCA Selangor strives to promote a plant-based lifestyle among Malaysians, we also need to improve the welfare of farm animals that are already in the animal agriculture system," she said.
The statement was issued in celebration of World Animal Day, an event which was held at the Education, Rehabilitation and Adoption (ERA) Centre here.
Themed "Towards a Plant-based Future", it was aimed at promoting awareness on veganism and farm animal welfare.
Wong said SPCA Selangor Farm Animal Welfare Unit has been liaising with corporations and farms to secure commitments from retailers and food corporations to make a full transition to Certified Humane Cage-Free eggs and to improve welfare.
She said farmers and corporations were encouraged to contact the unit for discussions on transitioning to higher animal welfare standards and plant-based food and products.
Among the activities held were talks related to veganism and presentation of certificates of appreciation to vegan influencers Davina Goh (Davina Da Vegan), Kalidevan Dave Murugaya (Chef Dave Vegan Journey) and founder of lifestyle platform KindMeal.my Andy Koh.
A certificate of appreciation was also presented Liang Kee Farming Sdn Bhd's representatives for being the first Malaysian farm to obtain the Certified Humane Raised and Handled label for its free-range eggs.