PETALING JAYA — A Singaporean businessman was fined RM8,000 (S$2,666) by a magistrate court in Petaling Jaya on Monday (Jan 8) for physically abusing a dog in 2017.

Terry Yee Kok Chew, a Singaporean businessman, was charged with beating, hurting and abusing the dog at a security guardpost at Jalan BK6 E/4 (1), Taman Melody, Bandar Kinrara, Puchong at 8.49pm on April 2. 2017.

The 58-year-old man was charged under Malaysia's Section 44(1)(a) of the Animals Act 1953 which carries a maximum RM50,000 fine, or up to a year in jail, or both.

Yee was fined in default of eight months’ imprisonment by Magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir after he pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him again by a court translator.

Also present at Yee's sentencing was the light-coloured canine, known as Furby, which Yee had beaten up.

In a clip uploaded to the Internet in 2017, Yee is seen attacking the dog after it rushed at him while he was cycling and caused him to fall.

He was recorded punching the animal before hitting it repeatedly with a motorcycle helmet and later, kicking it.

Counsel Datuk Jerald Gomez who pleaded leniency for Yee said that the dog did not suffer any serious injuries.

“My client lost his job after the video of the incident went viral on social media. He is also remorseful of his act,” he said.

Yee came under intense public criticism after his personal information was exposed together with the video and his business was the subject of boycotts.

US adventure equipment firm Osprey Packs confirmed to Malay Mail Online in 2017 that it had dropped Yee's company, Tearproof Sdn Bhd, as its local distributor over the incident.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nabilah Mohammad Zanudin pressed for a deterrent sentence against the accused.

While the court proceeding went on, Furby, who is currently under the care of the Petaling district veterinary office, waited in the witness room with a veterinary officer.

Several people including lawyers and passers-by tried to take selfies with the canine as it was ushered out after the proceeding. AGENCIES