Ng Teck Ning, 36, changed his plea after the prosecution and defence successfully entered into a plea bargaining agreement under Section 172C of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He had initially claimed trial to the charge on March 9.

The accused committed the offence in front of a car park at Jalan Rejang, Taman Setapak Jaya here at about 6pm on Sept 21, 2020.

He was captured on video forcefully flinging the cat to the ground as he headed towards his car. The cat had earlier been resting on his car bonnet.

According to a report, the feline is said to have suffered injuries.

Ng, who is a sales executive, surrendered to the Setapak police after the video went viral.

Sessions court judge Emelia Kaswati Mohamad Khalid meted out the fine for committing an act of cruelty on the animal, an offence under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act.

Those found guilty can be fined a sum from RM20,000 to a maximum of RM100,000, or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years.

Lawyer Joshua Andran submitted that the accused wished to express his deepest apologies to the court and the public for his actions.

“The fine will serve as a deterrent and meet the interests of the public,” he said.

Prosecuting officer Fadzilah Abdul Karim from the veterinary services department appeared for the prosecution.