In a statement, the Penang veterinary services department (DVS) stressed that the investigation into the incident, which went viral after a video was posted on social media last month, was done transparently.

“The complete investigation papers have been referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office and the decision is to not charge (the driver),” the department said.

“However, the suspect has been advised to be more careful and responsible in considering the welfare of animals in the future so as to not repeat the same thing,” it added.

It also said that the stray cat is currently under the department’s care and will be offered up for adoption.

On Aug 9, Seberang Perai Selatan police chief Chong Boo Khim was reported to have said that police were notified about the incident and that the driver’s actions were believed to be “not deliberate”.

He said a man lodged a report after trying to take the stray cat to a veterinary clinic in Simpang Ampat. According to the man, the cat jumped out of the back of his vehicle and inadvertently ended up “hanging” off the back of the truck.

Chong added that the man only realised what happened once he arrived at the clinic and then proceeded to remove the collar from the cat’s neck.

He said the case had been referred to the Penang DVS for further action.

The department, on Aug 9, said that the 18-month-old female cat, weighing 2.8kg, sustained multiple injuries but was expected to make a full recovery.

The incident took place on Jalan Merak Jaya 5 in Simpang Ampat, Tambun. Enforcement officers approached the owner of the vehicle, who said it was driven by someone else at the time of the incident.