KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a cat following the circulation of a disturbing video reportedly shared on TikTok.
The animal welfare group urged the police and Veterinary Services Department (DVS), with the cooperation of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to investigate the authenticity of the footage and identify those involved.
“Such allegations must be taken seriously. If proven, the act would constitute a grave form of animal abuse that warrants stern action under Malaysian law,” SAFM said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 18).
SAFM said investigators should also establish where the alleged incident took place, secure relevant digital evidence and determine how the footage came to be circulated online.
It urged the authorities to locate the cat as a matter of priority, assess its condition and ensure its safety.
The group also called for investigators to consider the possible application of Section 377 of the Penal Code and Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, where applicable.
“The alleged circulation of the footage on social media should also be examined under the relevant communications and multimedia laws,” it said.
SAFM said effective enforcement was important to protect animal welfare and maintain public confidence in the law.
“Where sufficient evidence of an offence is established, appropriate legal action must follow,” it said.
The group also urged anyone with credible information, original recordings or other relevant evidence to assist the authorities with their investigation.
