The Animal Welfare Act 2015 - According to a piece of reported news, the aim of the Act is to provide better protection for animals. For instance, Malaysian pet owners will bear the responsibility of providing a suitable environment, diet, and housing for their pets. Failing to do so, will result in a fine of between RM15,000 and RM75,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years or both. Animal abusers too will be fined between RM20,000 and RM100,000 or face a jail term of up to three years or both.

However, according to reliable sources, the content of the Act isn't providing enough clarity or showing competence in giving proper attention to the welfare of our furbabies!

1. Section 24 - what is a "suitable" environment or diet? One man's definition of suitable is different to another man's understanding. The term "suitable" should be defined clearly in the Act. 

2. It was also stated that animals could be killed during an "emergency". Again, what constitutes "emergency"?

3. Section 25(1) of the AWA empowers an Animal Welfare Officer (‘AWO’) from the newly proposed Animal Welfare Board (‘AWB’) to issue improvement notices to a person who failed to comply with s 24(1). Therefore, the AWO should be the sole person who decides what is meant by ‘suitable’ under s 24(1). What if the AWO is incompetent and lacks empathy in deciding the best for the animals?

4. Surprisingly, there is no section stating neutering or sterilizing is mandatory. Malaysia has a very big problem with stray and neglected animals due to the heavy amounts of breeding that happen.