JB city council confirms man who ran over stray dog was contractor employee handling animal control operations
Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) has confirmed that the individual accused of running over a stray dog in a viral video was an employee of a contractor appointed for stray dog control operations. Authorities have also lodged a police report as investigations continue into the incident.
- MBJB confirmed the individual involved was employed by a contractor handling stray dog control operations.
- A show-cause letter has been issued to the contractor for allegedly failing to comply with SOPs.
- Authorities said police investigations are ongoing and strict action may follow if violations are found.
MALAYSIA: Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) has confirmed that the individual captured in a viral video allegedly running over a stray dog in Johor was an employee of a contractor appointed to conduct stray dog control operations.
The incident, which occurred in Puteri Wangsa on 15 May, sparked widespread outrage online after dashcam footage showed a red pickup truck striking a stray dog along a residential street.
The dog was later seen lying motionless on the road.
Internal investigation launched
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the Johor state government and MBJB viewed the matter seriously and would not compromise on any negligence, misconduct or breach of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
In a statement posted on Facebook on 20 May, he said all enforcement operations involving stray dog capture and disposal must be conducted in a controlled and humane manner in full compliance with SOPs set by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
He stressed that any actions violating procedures, damaging public confidence or causing public concern would not be protected by the state government.
MBJB confirms contractor link
Mohd Jafni said MBJB had conducted an internal investigation and found that the individual involved was an employee of a contractor appointed to carry out stray dog nuisance control operations.
Following the findings, MBJB issued a show-cause letter to the contractor over alleged failure to comply with SOPs and appointment conditions.
Separately, MBJB also lodged a police report to allow further investigations into whether elements of negligence, misconduct, abuse of power or legal violations were involved in the incident.
He said strict action would be taken if investigations confirmed breaches of SOPs or negligence, including suspension of operations, termination of contracts, blacklisting and possible legal action against those responsible.
Authorities reiterate responsibilities
Mohd Jafni also reminded pet owners that, under MBJB’s Dog Licensing By-Laws 1995, owners are responsible for ensuring dogs are kept under proper control and not allowed to roam freely in ways that may disturb public order or pose safety risks.
He added that the Johor state government and MBJB remain committed to ensuring enforcement operations are conducted professionally, with integrity and in accordance with the law while balancing public safety, animal welfare and community harmony.
Background to incident
The case drew widespread attention after footage of the incident circulated online, prompting criticism from animal welfare groups and members of the public.
Malaysia Stray Animals Association president R. Kalaivanan had earlier called for an immediate investigation, while MBJB councillor Teow Chia Ling said she believed the incident may not have been accidental and urged authorities to investigate the matter under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
Investigations are ongoing.
