Kajang police chief Zaid Hassan said the kitten, which is estimated to be six weeks old and weighs 300g, is in critical condition and requires close observation for the next one week.

Zaid said based on CCTV footage, the incident occurred yesterday at around 1pm when the three suspects were loitering at the parking lot of an apartment block.

“Two of the suspects poured a flammable substance on the kitten and another lit it on fire. All three watched the kitten running while it was engulfed in flames,” he said.

“The kitten is currently being housed at a private veterinary clinic in Ampang and has been diagnosed with second degree burns.”

Zaid said an investigation paper has been opened under Section 428 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by killing or maiming animals, which carries a maximum jail term of three years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

He said the police received a report about the matter from a man who found out about the incident from a witness, who poured water on the kitten to put out the flames.

The witness told the complainant about the incident, who then searched for the kitten around the flat.

The complainant found the kitten in a weak state and rushed it to the veterinary clinic in Ampang.

Members of the public with information about the incident can contact the nearest police station or investigating officer Suresh Krishnan (017-4333795).