A petting zoo at Ampang Point Shopping Centre has been ordered to cease operations following mounting public criticism over the treatment of its animals, particularly an alpaca seen confined inside the mall.
The controversy erupted after a Threads user, identified as @_qistinasarah, shared her distress upon seeing the alpaca in what she described as a cramped enclosure surrounded by crowds and noise. In her post, she claimed the animal appeared unable to move freely while children screamed nearby, alleging that the organiser appeared to encourage the excitement.
“I feel so bad because it cannot run away or even react in any other way,” she wrote, adding that she had lodged a report and urging others to boycott similar mall-based attractions.
Claims of Prolonged Confinement
The user further alleged that the petting zoo had been operating for about two months and claimed the alpaca remained in its enclosure even after the mall closed. Another visitor echoed similar concerns, stating that security personnel had indicated the animal was left at the premises after hours.
The viral post prompted widespread condemnation online, with several members of the public reportedly filing complaints with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
In a statement issued on 17 February, Ampang Point said inspections had been conducted by DVS in January and February 2026. The mall maintained that the third-party organiser held a valid licence and had complied with existing regulations during both checks.
However, the mall’s assertion that the alpaca was present only during weekend sessions was disputed by the original poster, who said she encountered the animal during a weekday visit on 16 February.
Event Concludes Amid Growing Debate
Despite defending the event’s compliance record, Ampang Point confirmed that the petting zoo had been terminated with immediate effect. The management also pledged to reassess how similar events are evaluated and approved in future.
The episode has reignited a broader national conversation on animal welfare in commercial settings. Previously, a café in Melaka faced regulatory action and a RM10,000 fine after housing an alpaca and more than 22 other animals as part of its business attraction.
Animal welfare advocates and members of the public have since called for tighter oversight — and in some cases, an outright ban — on the use of animals in shopping malls and similar venues. Critics argue that even if regulatory requirements are met, the stressful environment of a busy retail space may not be suitable for animals.
As debate continues, the issue has shifted beyond technical compliance to a more fundamental question: whether animals should be placed in such commercial environments at all.
