Viral Video of Official Shooting Sacrifice Cow Triggers Police Investigation
A video showing a Malaysian state Chief Minister shooting a sacrificial cow with a rifle during Eid al-Adha has gone viral, sparking significant controversy and a police investigation. Authorities are now scrutinising the official’s actions following public criticism regarding the use of firearms during religious ceremonies.
According to reports, police in Perlis—a small northern state in Malaysia bordering Thailand—seized the rifle allegedly used by Chief Minister Abu Bakar Hamzah in Kuala Perlamis on Thursday, 28 May. Police also confiscated nine bullets and have requested a statement from Abu Bakar after a 38-second video circulated widely on social media. Kangar Police Chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop confirmed that a police report regarding the incident was received on Saturday, 30 May.
Although Abu Bakar holds a valid firearm licence, police are investigating the case under Section 39 of the Malaysian Arms Act 1960, which regulates the use of firearms in public places. Violations of this regulation can result in up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of 2,000 ringgit (US$504), or both.
Abu Bakar defended his actions, claiming the sacrificial cow had escaped and become aggressive during the procession. “I did not shoot the cow for fun. The cow became aggressive,” he stated, as quoted by Free Malaysia Today. “If we had left it and the cow had gored someone to death, who would have been responsible?”
Abu Bakar further explained that he aimed at the cow’s leg to immobilise the animal before it was slaughtered. In a social media post, he also noted that he had slaughtered 25 cows during this year’s Eid al-Adha. “The shot was aimed at the upper thigh area with the intention of disabling the cow’s movement, not to kill it,” he wrote, as reported by local newspaper The Star.
The incident has divided public opinion in Malaysia. Some netizens viewed Abu Bakar’s actions as excessive and dangerous, while others believed the move was necessary for public safety. Concerns were also raised regarding the halal status of the meat. In response, the Mufti of Perlis, Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, explained that livestock that are too dangerous or difficult to capture may be shot or subdued before slaughter, according to local media reports.
However, Jelutong Member of Parliament, Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer (RSN Rayer), criticised the Chief Minister, questioning why a firearm was brought to a religious event. “The viral video clearly shows the cow standing in an open area. No one is seen near the cow. The cow was standing still and was not attacking anyone or the crowd,” Rayer said in a statement on Saturday. He urged the police to investigate and potentially arrest the Perlis leader.
Meanwhile, the police have requested that the public refrain from speculation and warned that they will take action against any activities that disturb public order.