Just last month, 14-year-old Muhammad Syukur Khamis, otherwise known as the ‘Malaysian Mowgli’, shot to fame after stunning photos of him playing and being affectionate with his farm animals went viral and won international photography awards.
Now, Syukur reportedly lost one of his beloved buffalos named Tongkol after it was slaughtered at 6am this morning (8th February).
Source: Media Adil
Syukur looked after the 5-year-old male buffalo since it was small, and had to bid farewell to his good friend this morning as it had to be slaughtered to celebrate the welcoming of his two sisters-in-law.
Meanwhile, Syukur’s older brother, 29-year-old Muhamad Alias, spoke with Berita Harian hours before the buffalo was slaughtered. He said that he asked his father for Tongkol to be replaced with another buffalo because it was so loved by his little brother. He was quoted as saying,
“However, Tongkol has already reached maturity and needed to be slaughtered. My entire family also loved Tongkol because we have reared this buffalo since it was young. Tongkol has always been by Syukur’s side.”
Source: Berita Harian
According to Muhamad Alias, the buffalo was slaughtered at his father’s house so that Syukur and their family don’t see it.
Now, Syukur is saddened over Tongkol’s death and has no will to entertain guests who arrived at his Terengganu home to meet him today. His brother continued,
“Throughout this past holiday season, many visitors from other states have come to our home to meet Syukur. To this day, we still have visitors coming to meet him, but because of Tongkol, he is not as cheerful as he usually is.”
“Soon, there will be another buffalo that will replace Tongkol as Syukur’s favourite.”
It’s hard losing an animal you’ve cared for so dearly. Our thoughts go out to Syukur during this difficult time. <3
