A Malaysian state leader used a shotgun to kill a cow for an Eid al-Adha sacrifice, and the video of the act has ignited public fury across the country.
The incident took place in Perlis, a northern state in Malaysia, during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, when Muslims traditionally slaughter livestock such as cows and goats. The meat is then distributed to the poor. But the method chosen by the state executive council member, who oversees Islamic affairs, was anything but traditional.
A shotgun instead of a knife
In a video that circulated widely on social media, the politician is seen firing a shotgun at a cow from close range. The animal collapses after the shot. The video shows the cow still moving after being hit, and a second shot is fired. The slaughter of animals for Eid is normally done with a sharp knife in a single swift cut to the throat, following Islamic halal guidelines. The use of a firearm is not standard practice and is not recognized as a permissible method by many religious authorities.
Public anger and calls for accountability
The video sparked immediate backlash online. Many Malaysians expressed shock and disgust, saying the act was cruel and disrespectful to the animal and to religious traditions. Animal welfare groups and Muslim organizations also condemned the killing. The politician later apologized, saying he did not intend to cause distress and that he had used the shotgun because he believed it would be a quick way to kill the cow. He said he would accept any punishment deemed appropriate by the authorities. Local police have opened an investigation into the incident. For people in Perlis and across Malaysia, the controversy touches on deeper questions about the treatment of animals, the conduct of public officials, and the preservation of religious customs.
A tradition tested by a trigger
Eid al-Adha commemorates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, and the ritual slaughter of livestock is meant to be carried out with compassion and precision. The use of a shotgun deviates sharply from that ideal. The incident has prompted discussions about whether officials who hold religious portfolios should be held to a higher standard of conduct. The state government has not yet announced any formal disciplinary action, but the public outcry shows no sign of fading. For now, the image of a politician firing a shotgun at a tethered cow has become a symbol of a tradition interrupted by a moment of poor judgment.
