Malaysian state chief under fire for shooting Eid cow with shotgun

A viral 38-second video showing Perlis Chief Minister Abu Bakar Hamzah shooting a cow with a shotgun at an Eid ul-Adha korban ceremony has triggered a police investigation and widespread public outcry in Malaysia. The incident occurred in Kuala Perlis on Thursday, with the clip circulating online and prompting a police report. Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop confirmed that they have seized the shotgun believed to be used by Hamzah, along with nine rounds of buckshot ammunition. While authorities verified that Hamzah holds a valid firearms license, the case is being investigated under Section 39 of Malaysia’s Arms Act 1960, which governs the discharge of firearms in public places. A conviction carries penalties of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to 2,000 ringgit (US$504), or both. The incident has ignited debate over appropriate methods for ritual animal slaughter, gun use in public ceremonies, and animal welfare standards.

Abu Bakar Hamzah has defended his actions, stating in local media that the cow had broken loose and become aggressive during the ceremony. "I didn't shoot the cow for fun. It had become aggressive," he told Free Malaysia Today, adding, "If we had left it alone and it gored someone to death, who would be held responsible?" He claimed he shot the animal in the leg, after which it fell and was then slaughtered according to Islamic ritual. In a social media post, Hamzah noted he had personally slaughtered 25 cows as part of the ceremony. Despite his defense, the viral clip has fueled anger among animal rights activists, religious groups, and the public, questioning the necessity and legality of using a shotgun for korban. The police investigation continues as authorities weigh the cultural, legal, and ethical dimensions of the event.