KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Several people were injured in Malaysia when they tried to recapture a buffalo meant for slaughter on Hari Raya Haji on Monday (Sept 12).

The buffalo was tied to a tree on Sunday near its owner's house near Likas when it broke loose and fled at about 10am.

The residents tried to capture the buffalo but it retaliated and tried to gore anyone who tried to get in its way. The buffalo owner's son was injured in the arms as he tried to stop it.

The animal then ran to a nearby drain and hid there.

When firemen, police and civil defence officials approached it, the buffalo ran to the nearby Shan Tao Secondary School and almost knocked into a motorcyclist as it made its way further up to the St Simon Church some 2km away.

It rammed into a man, who was taking photographs of the incident behind a fence. A fireman was also reportedly injured in the incident.

The buffalo only stopped when Wildlife rangers used tranquilisers.

Sabah Wildlife assistant director Sen Nathan said they had to shoot three tranquilisers at the animal before it stopped running.

"The animal was returned to the owner," he said.

The buffalo was slaughtered on Monday morning after prayers.