IPOH: The public has been strongly discouraged from feeding monkeys as part of efforts to curb rising cases of monkey disturbances across several areas in Perak.
State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said such habits have led to threats to public safety, crop damage, and livestock interference.
He said public education and awareness programmes are being intensified to highlight that feeding monkeys contributes significantly to behavioural changes, making them more aggressive and increasingly dependent on human food sources.
“The state government, through the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is taking the increasing number of complaints seriously, and has implemented a series of coordinated measures to address the issue more effectively.
“Among the key steps is the strengthening of population control operations, including trapping activities using cages in identified hotspot areas.
“In certain critical and high-risk cases, controlled culling operations are also being carried out,” he said at the state assembly sitting here Thursday (April 16).
Teh was responding to Mohd Akmal Kamarudin (PN- Selama) who asked about disturbances caused by monkeys in several areas across the state, and the state government’s plans to address the issue in a more effective manner.
Teh said wildlife conflict management guidelines are also being disseminated to local communities.
“The state is also enhancing strategic inter-agency cooperation involving Perhilitan, local authorities, district offices and other relevant agencies.
“This includes integrated efforts such as improved solid waste management and better cleanliness in affected areas.
“Community participation is also being encouraged to provide early information and support mitigation efforts.
“In addition, monitoring systems in high-risk locations are being strengthened, alongside faster response measures to public complaints,” he said.
