Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong recently said that if within the next few weeks a Parliament approval to an amendment is obtained, then those who show cruelty to animals will face heavier punishments.

The existing Act known as the Animal Act 1953 where those guilty of an offence of cruelty to animals shall be liable to a fine of RM200 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both would then be upgraded to include raising the fine for animal cruelty to RM50,000 and a jail term of not more than one year.

He added that repeat offenders would be penalised more severely.

Indeed never has there been a better time than now for such an amendment to take place.

There is an ever growing number of Malaysians who are hopeful that their furry friends get a safer and rightful protection from the authorities.

There has been an unbelievable number of abuse cases in the last couple of decades that shamefully to date the country has been mentioned and cautioned by various international bodies on the matter.

It is hence envisaged that the current members of parliament would have no qualms to ensure that this necessary and long-awaited law is enshrined.

The country's moral standing on the matter will no doubt be raised with this positive action.