Malaysian police hunt suspects in kitten burning incident caught on CCTV

MALAYSIA: Malaysian police are currently on the hunt for three suspects believed to be responsible for setting a helpless kitten on fire, an appalling act caught on CCTV footage.

The incident, which occurred at around 1 pm on Monday (22 April) at Sri Kenari Flats in Sungai Ramal Baru, Kajang, has stirred widespread public outrage following the circulation of the footage on social media.

The CCTV footage, shared on Animal Malaysia’s Instagram account on Tuesday, depicts a group of men loitering in a motorcycle parking area.

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In the video, one of the men can be seen pouring oil onto a helpless kitten before igniting it, causing the tiny animal to flee in flames.

Fortunately, a quick-thinking resident intervened, dousing the flames with water and promptly alerting a woman, 63, who subsequently reported the incident to the police.

In response, the Malaysian Animal Association urged the Royal Malaysian Police to prioritize such cases, warning of the potential escalation of animal cruelty to violence against humans in the absence of timely preventive and punitive measures.

“The Malaysian Animal Association urges the Royal Malaysian Police to take cases like this seriously because it is feared that it is an early sign of the severity of criminology against animals spreading to other humans as a result of no preventive, punishment and corrective measures being taken quickly.”

Kitten receives urgent care for severe burns

Reports indicate that the kitten, estimated to be merely six weeks old and weighing only 300g, is now fighting for its life in critical condition.

Despite the swift actions of a passer-by who extinguished the flames, the kitten remains in critical condition, suffering from severe burns.

The injured kitten was swiftly transported to a private animal clinic in Ampang, where it is currently undergoing treatment for severe second-degree burns.

Medical professionals are closely monitoring its progress, with a minimum observation period of one week.

Authorities vow to prosecute culprits in kitten burning case

Kajang police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan has reassured the public of the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.

He confirmed that the police have identified the three individuals involved and are actively pursuing them.

The case is under investigation, falling under Section 428 of the Penal Code, which deals with acts of cruelty or mischief towards animals.

Perpetrators, upon conviction, could face a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

In urging cooperation from the public, ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan emphasized the importance of anyone with information regarding the incident coming forward to aid the investigation.

Individuals can reach out to any nearby police station or directly contact Case Investigating Officer Inspector Suresh Krishnan at 017-4333795.