PETALING JAYA: The fate and whereabouts of the monkey seen being spray-painted in a now-viral video remain unknown, with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) still unable to locate the animal.
According to a statement from Selangor Perhilitan, the 62-year-old suspect, who has admitted to being the man in the video, had released the monkey from the cage on the same day he sprayed it with paint.
"The monkey involved in the incident was released by the suspect on the same day, but efforts by the department to locate and rescue the animal have so far been unsuccessful.
"It is believed that the animal has fled into a nearby forest," Perhilitan told The Star via email on Friday (June 6).
The department has also seized the monkey trap believed to have been used during the incident as part of its investigation.
The incident is believed to have taken place on May 23 in a residential area in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.
An official complaint was lodged with Perhilitan on May 24, prompting immediate enforcement action.
"Following the complaint, Perhilitan carried out immediate enforcement action.
"The suspect, a 62-year-old local man, was arrested and taken to the Sungai Buloh district police headquarters for allegedly committing an offence under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
"He was later released on police bail," the department added.
Perhilitan said it views the act of cruelty seriously and reiterated its commitment to taking firm action against any form of wildlife cruelty.
The department also urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could help trace the monkey and reminded the public that any wildlife-related reports or information can be channelled through its hotline at 1-800-88-5151.
The incident gained widespread attention after a video surfaced showing a man spraying blue paint directly onto a monkey confined in a cage.
The footage sparked public outrage, with animal welfare activists and concerned citizens calling for firm action.
