Peka: Where's the monkey?

The Star

2 days ago

Animal cruelty: Rajesh (right) and Dr Kartini say no update has been given about the monkey's health nor its whereabouts.
PETALING JAYA: Following public outrage over a viral video showing a monkey being spray-painted, the Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) is demanding transparency regarding the animal's condition and current custody.
Peka president Rajesh Nagarajan expressed concern over the silence surrounding the case, questioning which authority is in charge of the monkey and its current wellbeing.
'Where is the monkey? What is its condition? Why hasn't anyone come forward to clarify its whereabouts?' Rajesh said at a press conference yesterday.
'Is it under the care of Perhilitan? The Animal Welfare Board? Or another agency? Whoever is responsible must come forward and provide an update.'
He said the video, which triggered widespread emotional reactions nationwide, has become a matter of public concern.
'Malaysians are deeply invested in this case, and they deserve answers.
'We also want to know why the person seen abusing the animal hasn't been charged. What is the justification?' he added.
Peka vice-president Dr Kartini Rahim also questioned the lack of action against the individual shown in the video.
A video grab showing the monkey being spray painted.
'The video clearly shows a monkey being sprayed with paint while confined in a cage. We still don't know why the monkey was captured, whether it did anything to warrant such treatment, or what condition it is in now,' she said.
Dr Kartini warned that the use of paint on animals can cause serious harm.
'The chemicals in paint are toxic. They can damage the skin, cause burns, and trigger respiratory issues. The act also induces severe stress, potentially altering the monkey's behaviour and making it more aggressive,' she added.
The incident was captured in a video showing a man spraying blue paint directly onto the monkey inside a cage. Animal welfare activists and the public have since called for firm action.
Last week, Sungai Buloh OCPD Supt Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor confirmed that a police report was lodged at 2.10am on Saturday by a veterinary officer from the Petaling district in response to the viral clip.
The Star has reached out to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) for comment and is awaiting a response.