The Organisation for the Preservation of National Heritage Malaysia (Peka) has expressed shock and outrage over the Penang City Council’s (MBPP) announcement of its “Bird Shooting Operation - Crows and Pigeons”.

Peka said the culling, set to take place today across multiple public and urban areas, is a “massacre” that also presents a safety risk to the public.

“This operation, which involves the live shooting of crows and pigeons in densely populated areas such as Padang Kota Lama, Jalan Gurdwara, Paya Terubong, and Tanjung Bungah, poses not only an immense safety risk to the public but is a public massacre of animals who are simply trying to survive in the very city we built over their habitat.

“The echo of gunfire will not just disturb the peace, it will sow fear, confusion, and trauma in a population unprepared for armed enforcement in civilian spaces. 

“Armed personnel discharging live firearms in parks, public roads, and urban squares transforms Penang into a war zone against wildlife, with bullets flying through spaces shared by families, children, the elderly, and tourists,” said Peka president Rajesh Nagaran and secretary-general Vimala Raghawan in a joint statement.

Operation may be illegal

Peka pointed out that the operation could be in possible violation of the Firearms Act 1960, the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA).

The organisation said that under Section 39 of the Firearms Act 1960, firearms may only be discharged at approved shooting ranges, in defence of life or property, or under written wildlife protection laws. 

“If MBPP’s operation fails to meet these conditions, it constitutes an unlawful discharge of firearms. Has MBPP complied?” Peka asked.

Similarly, Peka said Section 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 prohibits the killing of animals with firearms unless authorised by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) under emergency or disease control. 

“Without DVS approval, this operation is both illegal and an abuse of power,” the organsiation added.

Furthermore, Peka said the operation also violates Section 18A of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which requires a risk assessment for high-risk activities. 

“Discharging firearms in public areas poses noise, injury, and trauma risks, and may be prosecutable under Section 17 if harm occurs. 

“We urge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh) to intervene, demand the risk report and issue a ‘stop work order’. Affected individuals may lodge formal complaints with Dosh,” it added.

The organisation called on the police, DVS, and Dosh to initiate an investigation into the matter.

Peka also urged for a multi-stakeholder dialogue, including legal experts, environmental NGOs, and veterinary professionals, to formulate an ethical urban wildlife control policy.

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