Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today stressed that the Animal Welfare Bill 2015 which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat recently would protect animals from human exploitation.

In a posting on his Facebook account, the prime minister said with the new law, individuals who were cruel to animals would be punished for their deeds.

"I rear cats and I am sad each time I read a report of cruelty to animals.

Now, anyone who is cruel to animals can be charged under the new law," he said, thanking all members of Parliament for supporting the law.

On Wednesday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Animal Welfare Bill 2015 to promote responsible welfare and ownership of animals.

The Bill will allow for the setting up of the Animal Welfare Board whose functions include monitoring the work of associations or bodies set up for the purpose of preventing trauma, pain, or suffering to animals.

It also proposes a minimum fine of RM20,000 and a maximum fine of RM100,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for a first offence under the act, including victimising animals, killing by shooting without reasonable cause, poisoning, and animal fighting trade.

- Bernama