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The incident triggered widespread outrage after a Facebook post and accompanying screenshots went viral, alleging that the trader's actions had caused the deaths of six kittens. The disturbing footage drew sharp criticism from social media users, many of whom accused the man of animal cruelty and demanded accountability.
However, the trader, identified as Ho Kian Loon, has firmly denied the allegations and insisted that none of the animals were harmed. He stated that he is currently caring for the mother cat and all of her kittens at his home.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Ho expressed deep remorse and publicly apologised for his behaviour, admitting that he acted impulsively and emotionally during the incident.
"I realised that I had done something unacceptable. I acted out of emotion during the incident," he said.
"I did not kill any of the kittens as claimed in the viral postings."
"I take responsibility for my actions. In fact, I never neglected the cats and immediately brought them back to my house and fed them after realising I had made a mistake."
Ho explained that he first discovered the mother cat and her kittens inside a large flower pot in front of his shop at approximately noon on May 15. He placed the animals in a box and left it on the walkway outside the premises.
When he returned to the shop at around 6.30 pm, he found that someone had moved the box and placed it directly in front of his business premises. According to Ho, he attempted to push the box away, but his actions caused the mother cat to fall out.
"Later, upon realising my mistake, I gathered the kittens, placed them back into the box and kept them inside my shop," he said.
The controversy escalated on May 17 when a friend informed Ho that a one-minute dashcam recording of the incident had gone viral online. The video was accompanied by claims that his actions had resulted in the deaths of the kittens, igniting a wave of condemnation across social media platforms.
Ho said the accusations have caused significant distress and raised concerns about the safety of his family.
"The posting sparked widespread condemnation on social media, and I am concerned about my family's safety. I lodged a police report on May 17 because the posting did not reflect the truth," he said.
The incident has ignited a broader debate about animal welfare and the powerful impact of viral content. While Ho has accepted responsibility for his conduct and apologised for his actions, he maintains that the allegations regarding the deaths of the kittens are false. The case underscores how a brief moment captured on camera can trigger severe public backlash and lasting consequences.
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