PERLIS Menteri Besar, Abu Bakar Hamzah, has a valid firearms license for a shotgun used in the shooting of an aggressive sacrificial cow yesterday.
Kangar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop, when confirming the matter, said it was based on results of a review by the Licensing Division, Kangar District Police Headquarters (IPD).
However, he said, the police seized the shotgun involved and nine rounds of 'buckshot' ammunition to assist further investigations into the incident.
"Police confirmed that they received a report from the public at 4.51 pm yesterday regarding the 38-second viral video showing the incident at Dataran Lok 9, Kuala Perlis.
"Acting on information, the team from IPD Kangar recorded the statement of the Menteri Besar.
“Based on the evidence, the action (firing shots) was taken because the cow was getting aggressive and threatening at the Kuala Perlis Perdana Korban Ibadah Program," he said in a statement today.
Yusharifuddin said the case was being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206) for firing in a public place.
If convicted, he said, he could be sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison and a fine of not more than RM2,000 or both.
"The public is advised not to speculate or issue statements that could provoke any party.
"The police view acts that could threaten public order seriously, and strict action will be taken.
"Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to come forward to assist in the investigation by contacting the Investigating Officer, Assistant Superintendent Tengku Mohd Farid Tengku Ibrahim, via 019-9939200 or 04-9082222, or any nearby police station," he said.
Abu Bakar was quoted as saying that the shot was only fired at the cow's leg, which had come loose, before the slaughter was carried out as usual.
Following that, the Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, was reported to have explained that domestic animals that are halal to eat but difficult or impossible to catch for slaughter are allowed to be shot first. – May 30, 2026
