KLUANG: The tiger that was spotted lurking behind bushes near a plantation in Kampung Rahmat last Sunday, has gone on a rampage, killing two cows and a goat in the village.
Village chief Salim Darman said the carcasses were discovered on Monday and Tuesday near the area where the tiger was initially sighted.
“This was very shocking because normally, all our livestock stay close to our houses or pens,” he said.
Salim said villagers are confident the tiger is still in a small forest patch within the village, as the deaths of the livestock likely occurred only one to two days ago.
He warned that the predator could return soon, given that there are still animal remains left uneaten.
Salim said the tiger may have wandered into Kampung Rahmat from Kota Tinggi or Tenggara, possibly while searching for food.
“This village has faced problems with elephants and stray dogs in the past. Now, before the stray dog issue is resolved, a tiger has appeared,” he said.
Salim said it was the first time a tiger had been seen in the village.
He advised residents, especially those working in plantations, to move in groups for safety.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has installed cameras in several spots to track the animal.
“Following the report, Perhilitan has sighted footprints to indicate that the tiger is an adult.
“Perhilitan will use several methods to address the issue, including using explosive sounds to scare the animal back to its original habitat.
“If ineffective, they will trap the animal and release it in a safe area,” he said when interviewed.
He reminded residents to stay alert and keep their distance if the tiger is sighted again.
“Refrain from approaching it to take photos or videos. Report the matter to the police or Perhilitan immediately,” he said.
Last Sunday, a farmer and his father spotted the tiger lurking near the bushes at the village and alerted the police and Perhilitan.
The authorities have been on alert since.
