WHETHER the cow has acted aggressively or it is just sacrificial cattle anyway is certainly not for Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah to judge.
Questions abound from detractors as to whether it has been customary for the Perlis Bersatu chairman to be in a possession of a shotgun in a public (notably the korban ritual venue) or even does he have a valid firearms license to begin with.
In his defence, the Kuala Perlis state assemblyman claimed that he had only shot the cow “after it turned aggressive by targeting the thigh to paralyse it (as opposed to shoot-to-kill)”.
“The cow that was shot was the 25th cow that escaped and acted aggressively to the point of endangering public safety, including almost goring an individual at the scene,” he justified in a Facebook post.
The shooting was only carried out after the authorities on duty ensured that the cow was in a suitable, controlled and safe area to avoid any risk to the public.
“The slaughter process was carried out in less than a minute after the shot was fired. Because the cow was still resisting, several individuals were needed to help move and control it.
Editor’s Note: Abu Bakar had in an earlier FB post prayed that the Ulu Tiram incident whereby a sacrificial buffalo which went berserk gored to death a 45-year-old man would not happen in Perlis.
Putting public at risk
Whatever the case is, the cops will soon call in Abu Bakar to assist in the investigation into the viral video purportedly showing him shooting a sacrificial cow with a shotgun.
Kangar police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said police are aware of the matter and have begun preliminary investigations although no police report has been lodged over the incident so far.
He said investigations are also underway to determine the type of firearm and ammunition used. “We are still investigating whether the ammunition used was live rounds or otherwise,” he noted in a brief statement today.
Under the Arms Act 1960, Malaysia enforces highly strict firearms laws. Civilian ownership and carrying of rifles are heavily restricted.
Licenses are exclusively issued by the state chief police officer with strict requirements apply whereby one must prove you have a “very good reason” to own or carry a firearm which is generally limited to:
Sport shooting & hunting: The most common way to legally handle and use a rifle in Malaysia is through membership at a recognised shooting club or association (eg the Selangor Shooting Association).
Personal defence or professional risk: Granted to individuals facing imminent, documented threats to their safety or those in high-risk professions (such as cash-in-transit security).
Delving further, lawyer Vivek Sukumaran stressed that the mere possession of a firearms licence does not automatically authorise the discharge of a firearm in any location or circumstance.
He said authorities should also consider provisions under the Penal Code, particularly whether the manner in which the firearm was discharged posed any risk to public safety.
“Depending on the factual circumstances, provisions relating to negligent, rash or dangerous acts endangering human life or personal safety may potentially arise,” the Malaysian Bar Council Law Committee chairman told the New Straits Times.
Moreover, the Animal Welfare Act 2015 should also be taken into account as it governs the treatment and killing of animals and sets standards for slaughtering practices.
“Investigation should also consider compliance with guidelines set by the Department of Veterinary Service as well as any relevant state religious authority requirements governing korban activities,” added Vivek. – May 30, 2026
