Pet cafés are usually seen as fun spots where people can interact with animals.
However, in Melaka, one café turned into a public controversy after an alpaca and several other animals were discovered living in dirty conditions inside a pet café.
Authorities have since stepped in, ordering the café to shut down temporarily, while the owner defended himself and denied abuse.
Midnight Raid by Local Council
At around midnight on Monday, September 22, 2025, enforcement officers from the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) raided a noodle restaurant located on Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa.
The outlet had recently gone viral for housing an alpaca on its premises.
Animals Living in Poor Conditions
Investigations revealed that the café’s upper floor had been turned into a “mini zoo” without approval.
Since June, the owner had brought in 23 animals, including an alpaca, goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, and cats, as a free attraction for visitors, according to reports.
During the raid, the alpaca was found in a separate room, while over 10 cats were kept in a glass enclosure.
Rabbits were confined to cages, while goats, ducks, and geese roamed freely.
Air Reeked of Animal Waste
Despite open windows, fans, and air-conditioning, the air was filled with the stench of animal waste, with goat droppings and urine scattered across the floor, the outlet reported.
Shop Closure and Compounds
Following this, Melaka mayor Datuk Shadan Othman, who led the raid, said the café was ordered to close for seven days (until 28 September 2025) for a full cleaning.
The 31-year-old owner, a permanent resident in Malaysia, was also fined RM10,250 (approx. S$3,132), comprising:
- RM10,000 (approx. S$3,055) under the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 2001
- RM250 (approx. S$76) under the Food Establishment By-law (MBMB) 2020.
Animal Welfare Concerns Sparked
The operation followed weeks of online complaints, including a detailed report by an animal rights group posted on Threads.
The group alleged that animals were left in unhygienic conditions, smeared in their own waste, and confined to tight spaces.
The alpaca was also said to have mistaken an artificial grass mat for food. Visitors described the café as reeking of urine and faeces.
The group further argued that the café’s practices could contravene Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015, which requires owners to provide animals with proper shelter, space, and care.
Public Pity for the Alpaca
A TikTok video showing the alpaca alone in a bare room drew widespread sympathy.
Passersby reported frequently seeing the alpaca at night and believed it needed to be returned to its natural environment.
Owner Denies Abuse, Promises Changes
The café’s owner, identified as Ong, acknowledged he had made a mistake in displaying animals inside a restaurant but denied abusing them, according to Sinar Harian.
“I understand some people are angry and claim I’m mistreating the alpaca. But I really love animals. I bought them at RM20,000 (approx. S$6,111) each, how could I possibly harm them?” Ong said.
Ong said he accepted the seven-day closure order, would relocate the animals to a proper place, and clean the café before reopening.
Calls for Clear Guidelines
Deputy Exco for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Communication, Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy, who joined the raid, said that while such concepts could attract families and children, they must not compromise animal welfare.
He urged the Department of Veterinary Services to establish clear rules on whether animals like alpacas should be housed indoors or only in suitable habitats like zoos.
In a Facebook post, he noted that the café’s idea was “interesting” but violated council laws and deprived the animals of proper care, joking that even animals “need their me-time.”
Authorities Confirm Action Taken
MBMB later confirmed through its official Facebook page that actions were taken and Mayor Shadan Othman personally met with the owner during a follow-up inspection, stressing that all animals must be removed and the premises cleaned before reopening.
Watch the video here:
@malaysiagazette Restoran Pamer Hiburan Alpaka, 22 Haiwan Lain Dikompaun RM10,250, Tutup 7 Hari Restoran mi segera di Kampung Jawa, Melaka yang tular mempamerkan haiwan spesies unta dikenali alpaka selain 22 lagi ternakan termasuk kambing sebagai hiburan kepada pelanggannya diarah tutup selama tujuh hari selain dikompaun RM10,250. Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB), Datuk Shadan Othman berkata, arahan penutupan itu bermula hari ini sehingga 28 September setelah didapati melanggar garis panduan ditetapkan pihak berkuasa tempatan itu. Menurutnya, pemilik premis turut dikenakan kompaun sebanyak RM10,000 atas kesalahan di bawah Enakmen Hiburan dan Tempat-tempat Hiburan 2001 dan RM250 kerana melanggar syarat Undang-undang kecil Petempatan Makanan (MBMB) 2020. #malaysiagazette #restoranmisegera #Alpaka Melaka
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