KUALA LUMPUR: The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has denied allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment at Taman Kucing Klang, following allegations which surfaced on social media.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Mayor Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan said that while the council takes such claims seriously, following a site visit, she was satisfied with the park's cleanliness and overall condition.
The council plans to make immediate improvements and will work with Sime Darby Property to address issues related to excessive afternoon heat to enhance the cats' comfort following Noraini's visit.
"I appreciate the public's concern, but some of the information being shared is completely false, particularly claims that the cats are hungry and abandoned.
The report of numerous cat deaths is also incorrect; only one cat has died since the park's opening, and it was placed outside the park by an unknown individual," Noraini was quoted as saying.
The council intends to install shading nets to reduce heat and Sime Darby Property will build a veranda for the cats. Nutritional care will also be improved.
Noraini explained that cats are territorial and need space to roam freely. Therefore, they will be allowed out of their enclosures to explore the park in the mornings.
"We plan to collaborate with volunteers interested in cat care, given the positive community support for the cat park," she added.
Earlier today, a social media user alleged that the shelter neglected animals in its care.
"It's like a concentration camp for these cats, with the shelter built with natural ventilation but without any roof insulation, generally making it very hot for the cats," X user Edwin Seng tweeted.
In a series of tweets, Edwin claimed said that while the council promoted the shelter as a "safe and loving place for cats," the reality seems far different.