KUALA LUMPUR: There are no feline units within the police force, Bukit Aman has clarified.
Questions over whether the police force has absorbed 'pawlice personnel' into its ranks arose after a video of a cat wearing a police vest went viral on social media.
The video showed the white and brown cat, adorning a black vest bearing the words 'Police K-9 unit', accompanying policemen who were scouring a crime scene in Damansara Damai.
The videos created a stir on social media, with some speculating whether police did indeed have 'sniffer cats'.
However, many noted that the vest was easily purchased on online shopping sites, and that the cat in question may have belonged to a resident and simply decided to check out the activities.
The cat's purple collar with bells, said social media users, also suggested that the animal may not be part of the force, given its 'non-regulation attire'.
The New Straits Times contacted Federal Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Deputy Director (investigation / legislation) Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa to put the issue to rest.
The usually stern Rusdi could be heard letting out a chuckle and pausing before answering the question.
"So far, we only have sniffer dog units, known as the K9 detection unit, to assist in police works.
"We don't have any feline units, at least not at the moment," he said.
On social media platform X, many remarked on the cat's disinterested demeanour while investigators were doing their work.
"When you lie on your resume and still got the job," wrote @pablochaves21.
Others, meanwhile, shared images of their cats and asked if there were any 'job openings' for their pets within the force.