Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has issued a strong call for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties regarding animal cruelty in Malaysia. Her statement follows a series of viral incidents involving the abuse and killing of pets and stray animals, which have sparked widespread public outrage. As the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor initiative, she emphasized that such acts are not only illegal but also represent a fundamental failure of societal compassion.
Her Royal Highness stressed that no individual or entity is above the law, regardless of their position, race, religion, or background. This mandate applies to private citizens, organizations, and government agencies alike. She specifically noted that enforcement officers must be held to the same standards of accountability, stating that public trust in institutions depends on professional and humane conduct rather than unnecessary violence.
To address these concerns, the Tengku Permaisuri has urged the federal government to review the Animal Welfare Act 2015. The goal is to ensure that penalties are sufficiently severe to deter offenders and that the law is applied consistently across the country. She highlighted that the protection of vulnerable creatures is a key indicator of a society's maturity and civilizational strength.
Beyond legal changes, she called for deeper cooperation between the government, local authorities, and animal welfare groups to foster a more compassionate approach to animal management. By promoting humane rescue and protection efforts, she believes Malaysia can build a community that values kindness. The palace statement serves as a firm reminder that cruelty will not be tolerated and that every act of kindness contributes to a more civilized society.