KUALA LUMPUR: The driver of a red Perodua Ativa in Baling, Kedah was criticised for his irresponsible behaviour in allowing his pet monkey to cling outside the fast-moving car.
Besides endangering the monkey's life, the situation poses a risk for other motorists, said one non-governmental organisation.
The case was highlighted thanks to a 10-second clip posted on TikTok by a user (@psyclepath94). The driver of the car was on the right lane of the North-South Expressway on Monday and nearly all of the windows of the car were wound down.
The monkey was seen leaping joyfully from the driver's seat and clung to the outside of the vehicle.
The moment caught the attention of many other motorists. While some of them may have thought it was an adorable act by the monkey, others believed it was dangerous for other drivers.
When commenting on the viral incident, National Road Users Association acting president Fahami Ashrof Badaruddin said many motorists still needed to be reminded about driving ethics.
"Other road users can be implicated if the monkey's chain snaps. There is also a risk of the animal falling from the car."
He said a driver should hide their pets from other motorists' view despite there being no specific regulation regarding pets riding in cars.
"Othewr drivers might get a shock when they see the monkey appearing out of nowhere and popping out from a car window. Such things could lead to a road accident."
Fahami urged the authorities to take proper action against such drivers to set an example for other road users.
He said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) should also step in because monkeys could potentially cause harm when they are in an urban setting. Police should also look into the case, he said.
The TikTok video has so far gained two million views, more than 89,000 likes and more than 1,100 comments in three days after it was posted.