Dog owners in Penang will soon have a designated space to enjoy outdoor activities with their pets, as Casa Permai Central Park in Tanjung Bungah is set to become Penang Island’s first pet-friendly park.

According to a report by Kwong Wah Yit Poh, signboards outlining the park’s rules have already been installed, with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) expected to officially launch the initiative once the remaining work is completed.

Penang Island City Councillor Lee Cheng Hwai said the initiative aims to better manage the park’s existing use by pet owners while promoting responsible pet ownership. Casa Permai Central Park has long been a popular spot for residents and nearby communities to walk their dogs and spend time with their pets.

Under the new guidelines, pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are required to clean up after their animals immediately. Pets will not be allowed in children’s playgrounds, while animals must not be left unattended. The guidelines also prohibit feeding stray animals and strongly recommend that pets wear muzzles. Park users are also reminded to respect others sharing the public space.

Lee said a survey conducted at Casa Permai Central Park in June showed that feedback generally favoured the proposal, with respondents highlighting the importance of keeping pets leashed and maintaining cleanliness.

However, the plan has also raised concerns among some nearby residents, particularly over hygiene. One long-time resident told Kwong Wah Yit Poh that irresponsible owners sometimes leave dog waste behind or discard plastic bags improperly, contributing to unpleasant odours and litter around the park. He called for regular patrols and more frequent cleaning of the surrounding area and drains.

MBPP will conduct periodic patrols to monitor compliance, raise awareness of the rules and take appropriate enforcement action against violations where applicable.

For now, the council will focus on implementing the initiative at Casa Permai Central Park before considering whether similar facilities could be introduced elsewhere. Lee noted that not every public park is suitable for pets, as each location has different layouts, facilities, surrounding communities and safety considerations.

The initiative aims to create a shared public space where pet owners and other visitors can enjoy the park while keeping it clean, safe and comfortable for everyone.

Images souce: Kwong Wah Yit Poh