GEORGE TOWN — Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has lodged a police report following the grim discovery of 16 stray animal carcasses along hiking trails on the popular tourist hill.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng told Scoop the bodies — comprising dogs, cats, and birds — were found strewn along the trails earlier today.
“They died along the trails because they probably had picked up food earlier this morning,” he said.
“Someone just spread the food along the hiking trail, on a jeep track. We found some rice at the sites.”
Cheok said PHC staff had cleaned up the area to remove any poison residue and were reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation. The carcasses have since been buried.
“We have also lodged a report with the veterinary department, and they will be sending officers to Penang Hill tomorrow to investigate.”
Cheok said the poisoning was a cruel act that angered the corporation. PHC has issued public appeals on social media, urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a Facebook post, PHC condemned the act as inhumane and warned that it posed a serious risk to Penang Hill’s ecosystem.
It added that using poison to kill stray animals is a punishable offence under the Penal Code (Act 574) and/or Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which may carry imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the corporation via email at [email protected].
Netizens have also taken to social media to express their outrage over the incident.
“Maniac on the loose, up in the hills,” commented Facebook user Tony Maluri.
“Heartless humans will receive their Karma,” wrote Chua Teck Boon, while another user, GM Michael, added: “A cruel and evil act. Karma will get to you.”
Animal poisoning has been a recurring concern in Penang. In July last year, 27 stray dogs were found dead in Tanjung Bungah, suspected of being poisoned.
Just months earlier, in April 2023, 29 stray dogs were discovered dead in Island Glades, with animal welfare groups alleging a serial dog poisoner was responsible. — July 6, 2025