Kuala Lumpur, May 27: PETA has urged Kajang Prison to introduce vegan meals for former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak and other inmates.
In a letter dated May 26, 2026, to Kajang Prison Director Mohd Sharin bin Hj Sabtu, the animal rights group said prison violence should end at mealtime and asked the facility to implement a vegan meals policy.
PETA said prisons that serve vegan meals had reported calmer inmate populations and major savings, citing a jail in the United States that reportedly reduced costs by more than RM1.1 million after switching to vegetarian food.
The group said vegan menus could also reduce healthcare costs, as animal-free foods may help protect against diet-related diseases.
“Even former Prime Minister Najib Razak deserves humane, healthy meals—and so does every prisoner. When prisoners eat meat, eggs, and dairy, they’re consuming the pain, fear, and suffering that animals endured on farms and in slaughterhouses,” says PETA President Jason Baker.
“The only peaceful meal is a vegan one, and PETA urges Kajang Prison to do everything it can to instill nonviolence in its inmates.”
In the letter, PETA said vegan foods promoted empathy and nonviolence, and argued that refusing to serve products linked to animal cruelty could help stop the cycle of violence.
The group also said Malaysia was well placed to lead correctional reform in the region through compassionate dining, citing the country’s cultural heritage and growing focus on sustainable and healthy living.
PETA said it would assist Kajang Prison in creating balanced vegan menus if the policy was adopted.
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