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The Hilir Perak district police have initiated a criminal investigation into a viral video showing a man committing animal cruelty against a cat at a local dining establishment in Taman Melor, Teluk Intan
The investigation commenced following the widespread online circulation of a 1-minute and 32-second video across multiple social media platforms, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
The graphic footage captured a worker cornering a cat before forcefully stuffing it into a canvas sack. Following massive public outrage over the feline's treatment, the owner of the restaurant lodged a formal police report on Thursday, 4 June.
Hilir Perak police chief ACP Chua Kok Lian stated that preliminary investigations successfully verified the location of the incident, the authenticity of the recording, and the identity of the culprit
"Based on the report, the person who placed the cat into the sack is believed to be an employee of the restaurant," Chua said in a statement, according to the New Straits Times.
Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the matter under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 for animal cruelty. If convicted, the offender faces a fine of up to RM100,000, a maximum prison sentence of three years, or both.
To build a comprehensive case, police will cooperate closely with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and other relevant regulatory bodies
This inter-agency cooperation aims to expedite the collection of forensic and circumstantial evidence required under existing legislation to bring the suspect to justice.
Chua reminded the Malaysian public to remain mindful of animal welfare within their local residential and commercial communities.
He further urged citizens to report any observed instances of abuse directly to law enforcement, emphasising that police maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of domestic or stray animal cruelty.
