Police have seized a shotgun and nine rounds of buckshot ammunition believed to have been used by Perlis menteri besar Abu Bakar Hamzah in a shooting incident involving an aggressive cow in Kuala Perlis.
Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Yusop said Abu Bakar’s statement had been recorded following a police report lodged over a 38-second video of the incident that was widely circulated online.
Checks conducted by the district police headquarters licensing division confirmed that Abu Bakar possessed a valid firearms licence for the shotgun.
Investigation underway
Yusharifuddin said the action was taken after a cow became aggressive and posed a threat to programme workers as well as members of the public attending the Kuala Perlis Perdana Korban programme.
“The action was taken because a cow had become aggressive and threatened programme workers and members of the public attending the Kuala Perlis Perdana Korban programme,” he said in a statement.
Police have since seized the firearm and ammunition as part of the ongoing investigation.
Case probed under Arms Act
The case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 for discharging a firearm in a public place.
The offence carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction.
Yusharifuddin also urged the public to refrain from speculation or making statements that could provoke any party while investigations are ongoing.
Viral video sparks public debate
Yesterday, Abu Bakar defended his actions, saying he only shot the cow intended for sacrifice during an Aidiladha ceremony on Wednesday after the animal broke loose and became uncontrollable.
The incident attracted widespread attention after a video of the shooting went viral on social media.
The footage prompted some netizens to question whether the use of a firearm was necessary under the circumstances.
Others also raised questions about whether the action was consistent with the religious procedures for the slaughter of sacrificial cattle during Aidiladha in Perlis.
