Do You Want Better Animal Welfare Laws In Malaysia? Join This Gathering At Dataran Merdeka
It's being held in honour of stray animals, and to call for full enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 on perpetrators of animal abuse due to escalating cases in recent years.
By Gowri Chitra — 07 May 2025, 01:58 PM
Animal cruelty remains a serious and growing issue in Malaysia. Many cases go unpunished, enforcement is weak, and public accountability is lacking.
In memory of Kopi — a gentle stray dog who was shot and killed by the Besut local council in Terengganu on 6 October 2024 — and to mark the 10th anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) 2015, an initiative called #ExecuteAWA, a nationwide movement for stronger animal protection, has been launched.
It is a people-powered initiative that empowers citizens, organisations, and all animal lovers to demand the enforcement of existing laws and to build a more compassionate country for animals.
Their mission stands for empathy, integrity, and shared responsibility. It invites everyone — regardless of background — to play a part in making animal welfare a national priority. It does not seek recognition or validation, nor does it engage in political conflict.
The goal is simple and urgent: to protect and uplift the lives of Malaysia's animals, especially voiceless strays.
#ExecuteAWA calls for full enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, legal action against perpetrators of animal cruelty, greater public accountability, and stronger systems for animal protection.
Here's a look at what the Animal Welfare Act 2015 entails:
- Establishment of the Animal Welfare Board: A governing body responsible for overseeing animal welfare, licensing, and enforcement activities.
- Licensing Requirements: Individuals and businesses involved in animal-related activities (e.g. pet shops, shelters) must obtain a valid license. Operating without a license can result in fines between RM15,000 and RM75,000 or imprisonment up to two years.
- Duties of Animal Owners and Licensees: Obligated to ensure animals are free from pain, suffering, injury, and disease, and to provide suitable environments, diets, and housing.
- Prohibition of Cruelty to Animals: The Act outlines 21 specific acts considered as animal cruelty, including beating, kicking, or torturing animals, neglecting to provide adequate food, water, or shelter, abandoning animals, leading to potential suffering, using animals for fights or other cruel activities, and causing unnecessary pain through mutilation or improper confinement.
- Penalties for Offenses: Violators can face fines ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may receive double the penalties.
- Regulations on Animal Transportation and Sale: Animals must be transported with adequate care to prevent suffering. Selling animals to individuals under 12 years old is prohibited unless accompanied by an adult.
- Enforcement and Legal Proceedings: The Act empowers authorities to investigate, seize animals in distress, and prosecute offenders. Photographs of animals can be used as admissible evidence in court.
#ExecuteAWA will be holding a peaceful gathering called Malaysia's Nationwide Humanity Mission For Greater Animal Welfare, in honour of stray animals
All Malaysians are invited to stand in solidarity for this cause.
Here are all the details:
Date: Saturday, 10 May
Time: 5pm – 7pm (please arrive by 4:45pm)
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
RSVP: Confirm your attendance via Google Form by Friday, 9 May
Please note that this is a legally notified, peaceful gathering. No pets, children, or dangerous items are allowed.
It's time to create a future where animal welfare is a national responsibility, not an afterthought
Together, we can raise our voices for those who can't speak for themselves. Let's make #ExecuteAWA the start of a stronger, more united movement to protect the animals of Malaysia.
Paws what you're doing and check out Furever Friends for more stories, videos, and updates!
