PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — While their daily routine involves tracking drugs at national entry points or performing military guard duty, K9 dogs Goku and Troy share a common mission today, namely marching alongside 33 other dogs at the National Day parade in Dataran Putrajaya.

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) features 10 Labrador Retrievers — up from eight last year — led by Goku, a nine-year-old veteran dog from the Netherlands that has helped detect about 620 kilogrammes of amphetamines.

Senior Customs officer and JKDM narcotics K9 trainer Johnson Pedro Anak Ateg, 40, said first-time parade participants Cafrey and Riko were also featured after missing last year’s event due to compatibility issues with other dogs.

He said all Customs K9 dogs underwent two weeks of intensive training, matching processes, and special health screenings at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Veterinary Hospital.

“JKDM sniffer dogs are specifically trained to detect drugs, including methamphetamine, amphetamines, ketamine, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, and precursor chemicals,” he told Bernama, adding that JKDM’s drug detection dogs had recorded 41 cases up to August this year.

Johnson Pedro said that initial training for the parade involved walking the dogs individually before pairing them with compatible dogs to march side by side.

“We also provided early public exposure for the dogs through school demonstrations and walks in public areas.

“The biggest challenge is getting the dogs to walk together in unison, as some are incompatible and act aggressively towards other dogs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) features 25 dogs from the Army Combat Training Centre’s (Pulada) Wolf Wing, comprising guard, search, and tracking dogs, with K9 Troy out front alongside Detachment Commander Capt Duin Anak Tat.

Duin said most of the military K9s had participated in the National Day parade two or three times previously, adding that every member of the Wolf Wing was trained to handle all dogs in the unit.

“When I lead Troy, he automatically becomes the detachment leader. He is very strong; when I pull, he pulls even harder,” he said.

Duin noted that march uniformity and dog compatibility remained key challenges, as some dogs tended to pull, follow, or react if they perceived a threat, prompting veterinary officers to closely monitor their stamina and health.

To handle current weather conditions, he said all K9s were provided with ample water and vitamins, while undergoing body temperature, stool, and urine checks before deployment.

He also reminded parade visitors to seek permission from handlers before touching or taking selfies with the military dogs.

“Military dogs are highly trained. Although they appear well-behaved, an attack could happen if they perceive a threat, which is why precaution is necessary.

“Before getting closer, ask the handler first, as only the handler knows the dog’s behaviour and whether it is calm or anxious,” he said. — Bernama