PETALING JAYA: Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu has apologised for featuring an orang utan playing the electric guitar in its advertisements following objections by animal lovers and activists.
“We sincerely apologise to those who have been offended by recent advertisements for the new Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu.
“We have removed the buntings and are working with Hard Rock International and local councillors to ensure that all future advertisements are culturally sensitive,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The banners to promote Hard Rock Café Kota Kinabalu, which opened here just weeks ago, have caused an uproar on social media, attracting criticism even from those in Australia.
Sabah Wildlife Department director William Baya said the restaurant operator had asked its opinion about using such a picture for the posters prior to having them printed.
“We advised them against the move because we thought it would be inappropriate but they went ahead with their plans,” he said.
Baya said the department had received numerous comments on the matter since a photograph of the banner was circulated on Facebook and Twitter, among others.
“We need to look at the bigger picture, whether the photograph is real or not,” he said.
He said the department would meet with the restaurant’s management as soon as possible.
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