A recent video out of Shah Alam has left many Malaysians horrified. In it, a man can be seen calmly spray-painting a caged monkey blue, while the animal squirms in distress, trapped and unable to escape. The video quickly went viral — and public anger exploded.
Thanks to this public pressure, authorities acted fast. The man, said to be in his 50s, was arrested by Shah Alam police and is being investigated under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to RM 50,000.
According to police, the monkey was still in his possession when officers arrived. The animal is now in the care of wildlife officials, and while there are no major physical injuries reported, the trauma inflicted is clear. It’s not just about paint on fur — it’s about the message this kind of act sends.
A Bigger Problem Than Just One Man
While this case may seem like an isolated incident, it points to something larger. The suspect’s motive is still unknown, but the fact that he had a monkey in a cage in the first place raises major red flags.
In Malaysia, keeping wild animals like monkeys as pets isn’t just problematic — it’s often illegal. Yet it still happens, and often without consequences until a video like this comes to light. The real issue here is two-fold: animal cruelty, and the casual acceptance of wildlife captivity in everyday neighbourhoods.
This case forces us to ask: How many other animals are suffering in silence, off-camera?
When Social Media Becomes the Court of Public Opinion
One reason the authorities moved quickly? The public outcry. The internet did not stay silent. Malaysians shared the video widely, demanding action and tagging officials. This wasn’t just a viral clip — it was a digital call to arms.
And that’s becoming more common. In the absence of rapid institutional response, social media has become a watchdog, especially for issues like animal welfare. But it also reveals a reactive system — one that only moves when it’s shamed into doing so.
What Needs to Change?
The Animal Welfare Act gives legal grounds for action, but law is only as effective as its enforcement. This incident shows we’re still playing catch-up when it comes to animal rights and wildlife education. Keeping exotic animals in cages shouldn’t be normalized. Spray-painting them shouldn’t even be conceivable.
This isn’t just about punishing one man. It’s about shifting the mindset — understanding that wild animals are not ours to own, decorate, or abuse. And if one disturbing video is what it takes to start that conversation, then so be it.