Zila Abdul Rahman, a resident, said the authorities must step in and conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice, Sinar Harian reported.

“Some residents have already lodged police reports. Don’t wait until the matter escalates before taking action,” the 49-year-old was quoted as saying.

Last Friday, a netizen shared photos of cat carcasses found around Pangsapuri Seri Nilam, believed to have been poisoned or thrown from upper floors.

The netizen said that a police report has been filed at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters on Saturday.

Another resident, Zie Azhar, described the incidents as “horrific and disgusting”, following the discovery of the cat carcasses in common areas of the property located in Bandar Baru Ampang.

She also urged the authorities, including the veterinary services department (DVS), to act swiftly and not let the issue drag on even though the department has already conducted an initial site visit.

The Malay-language daily quoted Rohani Osman, 60, as saying that it is a moral obligation to show compassion to animals and particularly cats, which are given special mention in Islamic teachings.

She said if the perpetrator was disturbed by the presence of cats, they should raise their concerns through the proper channels with their neighbours or the authorities, without resorting to killing the felines.

“Anyone who could do such a thing must be truly cruel,” she said.

When contacted, Ampang Jaya police chief Azam Ismail said the case has been referred to DVS. FMT has reached out to the department for comment.