MONKEY MENACE
Macaques running out of control in Malacca
MALACCA: The monkey menace in the state has become a national threat, according to the Malacca government.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the population of longtailed macaques in Sungai Udang, especially at the Terendak garrison enclave, was aggressive and bold.
“These camps are close to the forest reserve, and the macaques could pose a risk to the ammunition stored there and the firearms training.
“Macaques can be seen roaming freely at army camps and could pose a risk to humans, too,” he said.
Idris said the monkeys also snatched golf balls at a nearby course in Terendak.
“Golfers literally have to beg the monkeys to return the balls. It seems like these primates are growing bolder by the day,” he said after the weekly executive council meeting yesterday.
Idris said soldiers refused to hurt the macaques but their number had swelled and needed to be controlled.
He added the macaques in Sungai Udang were extremely aggressive and not afraid of getting close to humans.
“They brazenly attack humans, including breaking into cars,” he said.
Recently, a 33-year-old postman was waylaid by a troop of macaques, which took three letters meant for the military.
Idris said the state government was asking for a monkey sanctuary for the macaques.
It will call on the state Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to trap and transfer the primates once a suitable site has been identified.
Idris said he supported Perhilitan’s plan of not shooting the animals but placing traps to capture them alive.
“We don’t want to see another animal being shot like the case of the dog in Lubuk. China.
“Let us find an alternative way to trap and release them into the wild,” he said.
Golfers literally have to beg the monkeys to return the balls. It seems like these primates are growing bolder by the day. datuk seri Idris haron