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Ampang Point Shopping Centre has announced the immediate cessation of a petting zoo event at its premises after a video showing an alpaca allegedly kept in a small pen sparked concern on social media
In a statement on 17 February, the mall said the event was organised by a licensed third-party operator and had undergone inspections by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in January and February, during which the organiser was found to be compliant with regulations.
The statement added that the alpaca was present only during weekend sessions and that all animals were managed by trained handlers according to scheduled care requirements.
"We understand that many people feel strongly about animal welfare, and we respect that. The wellbeing of animals involved in events at our premises matters to us too," it said.
"As the venue, we require organisers involving animals to meet relevant regulatory and welfare standards before approval is granted. We will also take this opportunity to review how similar events are assessed moving forward," the mall added.
The controversy arose after a Threads user posted a video showing the alpaca in a pen that appeared too small for the animal
Threads user _qistinasarah said she was saddened to see the alpaca "unable to run away or react" while surrounded by mall-goers and screaming children.
"Can we start banning this kind of event in malls?" she asked.
The user alleged that the alpaca was part of a petting zoo that had been operating at the mall for about two months, and claimed the animal was kept in the same pen after operating hours.
"Please lah guys, haven't we learned from the alpaca café incident from before? Where is our compassion? I have lodged a report, but please boycott these kinds of events in malls. Even if they are cute or fluffy, know that they are stressed too," she wrote.
Other social media users shared similar concerns, with several saying they have also reported the matter to DVS.
View on Threads
Despite the mall's statement, some social media users have continued to call for greater accountability from the event organisers
Some netizens have continued to urge that similar events involving animals should not be held in shopping malls in the future.
The original poster also questioned the mall's clarification, noting that she saw the alpaca during a visit on Monday, 16 February.
SAYS has reached out to Ampang Point Shopping Centre and DVS for further comment on the matter, but has yet to receive a response.
