The growing number of animal abuse cases in Malaysia highlights an urgent need for stricter laws and faster legislative reforms to protect animals from harm. From the killing of Kopi in October to the new cases in November that yet again have gone viral, including videos of a man beating a dog and another man forcibly dragging a cat by its neck. On top of that, there is also the gruesome discovery of three dead cats in Setapak. These incidents illustrate the escalating pattern of animal cruelty and highlight the pressing need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.

Animal abusers can come from all walks of life, regardless of status or profession. This is proven by the behaviour of a professional badminton player who was fined RM25,000 for brutally beating his husky in August this year. We need a comprehensive cultural shift in how animals are viewed and treated, as the problem extends beyond acts of direct violence. This week in Johor, a restaurant owner was targeted with hateful online messages and threats of boycott for simply feeding stray dogs.

To top it off, as the holiday season approaches, the situation risks worsening. Gift-giving trends often lead to animals being purchased impulsively, only to be abandoned, mistreated, or even killed when the novelty wears off.

To address this, Malaysia’s animal welfare laws must be strengthened immediately. Stricter penalties, including higher fines and harsher sentences, are essential to deter such acts of cruelty. The Animal Welfare Act 2015 must be enforced with the seriousness it demands, with no room for leniency or delays in pursuing justice. We have not seen changes since Kopi’s viral case, only promises of reviews and future proposals.

Furthermore, laws alone are not enough to address this issue. Citizens must actively report abuse to the authorities, rather than just sharing videos online. At the same time, enforcement agencies need to treat these reports seriously to demonstrate that animal welfare is a top priority. Beyond legal measures, society must acknowledge that animals are living beings with inherent value. Hurting them is not only illegal but morally wrong.

Protecting animals reflects our shared humanity, and Malaysia needs to take strong action to end this cycle of cruelty.

Tee Hooi Ling
Wanita MCA Deputy National Chairperson

29 November 2024

-MCA Comm-