Veterinary services in safeguarding one health: connecting animal health, food safety and public protection in Malaysia

This paper explores the strategic role of veterinary services in operationalizing the One Health framework in Malaysia, emphasizing the intersection between animal health, food safety, and public health protection. Through a comprehensive evaluation of regulatory frameworks, disease surveillance mechanisms, and inter-agency collaboration, the study highlights how veterinary interventions mitigate zoonotic disease transmission, safeguard food supply chains, and bolster biosecurity resilience. The findings demonstrate that integrating veterinary expertise into mainstream public health policy enhances early detection of emerging infectious threats, minimizes chemical and biological risks in animal-derived food products, and fosters sustainable agricultural practices. Ultimately, this framework provides a actionable policy roadmap for strengthening multisectoral governance, fortifying national health security, and institutionalizing the One Health approach within the Malaysian healthcare and agricultural ecosystem.