Australia has temporarily disallowed the importation of dogs and cats from Malaysia following the discovery of several animals allegedly being brought into the country without meeting set regulations.

The suspension will affect individual permit holders who are awaiting the arrivals of their pets.

The suspension is effective from Feb 5.

Australia’s Agriculture, Water and the Environment Department said the decision was made due to concern over “potentially serious biosecurity risks associated with the importation of dogs and cats from Malaysia”.

“The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has recently become aware that dogs and cats have been imported to Australia from Malaysia without having met the relevant import conditions.

“The suspension will affect current import permit holders who have not yet imported their animals to Australia, and individuals (or their agents) who have submitted an application for an import permit listing Malaysia as the country of export.

“[...] given the severity of the potential biosecurity risks, the department is unable to consider circumstances applying to individual animals or owners,” the department announced on its website.

It added that preparations such as blood tests, vaccinations, parasite treatments already carried out on dogs and cats in Malaysia before their export will no longer be accepted for the time being.

However, the suspension does not affect dogs and cats from other countries transiting at KL International Airport.

Authorities there are investigating the matter and is working with Malaysian authorities, it said.

“At this time the department is unable to advise as to when the matter will be resolved. The department is actively working with the relevant Malaysian authorities," said the department.