People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urged Kajang Prison to serve vegan meals to former prime minister Najib Razak and other inmates [1].
The request highlights a broader push by animal rights advocates to integrate plant-based diets into state-run institutions to lower public spending and improve health outcomes.
In a letter sent Tuesday, the organization advocated for a shift in the prison's dietary offerings [1]. PETA said a vegan menu could reduce operational costs while simultaneously improving the health of the incarcerated population [1].
Beyond the financial and physical benefits, the group argued that plant-based eating promotes empathy and non-violence, qualities they believe are essential within a correctional environment [1]. The organization said such a transition is a way to provide the only peaceful meal available to those in custody [1].
Kajang Prison, located in Malaysia, houses several high-profile inmates, including the former prime minister [1]. The proposal targets the facility's general food service, suggesting that the benefits of a vegan diet extend to all inmates regardless of their status [1].
PETA did not specify the exact cost reductions expected from the shift, but the group said plant-based alternatives are generally more sustainable and affordable than animal-based proteins [1].
“PETA urged Kajang Prison to serve vegan meals to former prime minister Najib Razak and other inmates.”
This request is part of a global strategy by PETA to target high-visibility figures and institutions to bring attention to veganism. By focusing on a facility housing a former head of state, the organization amplifies its message regarding the intersection of animal rights, public health, and state expenditure.
