JOHOR BARU: Residents of Kampung Rahmat in Kluang have been reminded to stay alert when entering the forest area after a wild tiger was recently sighted, says Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said the public should also avoid entering the forest at night for the time being, for their own safety.
“In the event that the wild animal is sighted again, please keep your distance and refrain from approaching it to take photos or videos.
“They should report the matter to the police or Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) immediately,” he said after officiating a senior citizen careline programme at a hotel here on Thursday (March 12).
Ling said following the sighting, Perhilitan has installed cameras and traps in the forest to capture the tiger.
“This is the first tiger sighting reported in the area and the animal is believed to have strayed from a nearby forest into the area in search of food,” he added.
Last Sunday, a farmer and his father were shocked after spotting a tiger lurking behind bushes near their plantation in Kampung Rahmat.
The farmer, known only as Lai, 42, said they never expected a tiger to appear in the small patch of forest near the village.
He reportedly spotted the tiger when he left the plantation with his father and a police officer.
Initially, he thought the animal was a replica placed there to scare wildlife. However, after observing it more closely from their vehicle, they realised it was a real tiger.
