KUALA LUMPUR: An Orang Asli man died after he was believed to have been attacked by a tiger while searching for rattan in a forest area near Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor in Sungai Siput, Perak, on Monday (Sept 21).
Sinar Harian reported that Zamberi Angah, 42, was found dead in a bamboo clump near a logging road about 200m from where the suspected attack took place.
He is believed to have entered the Korbu Forest Reserve with a friend to search for rattan.
It is understood that the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) received a report on the incident at about 4.30pm.
Its Wildlife Conservation Unit and Sungai Siput Perhilitan personnel then rushed to the location.
The joint search operation, which began at about 6.30pm, involved personnel from the Lintang police station, the Civil Defence Force (APM), People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) and around 30 villagers and loggers.
Zamberi was found at 6.58pm.
A check at the scene found bite marks on the victim’s neck and signs that parts of his right leg, up to the waist, had been eaten.
According to the portal, there were signs of a struggle, drag marks, tiger paw prints the victim’s blood and scraps of his clothing at the scene.
Lintang assemblyman and state rural development, plantation, sgriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun also addressed Zamberi's death, confirming the incident on his official social media channels.
He said the incident was distressing and had left an impact on the victim’s family and the community.
"The deceased was attacked by a tiger while searching for rattan in the forest with a friend.
"My wife and I visited his family to convey our condolences and provide a small contribution to help ease their burden.
"Perhilitan will help the family obtain Wildlife Attack Victim Aid and provide safety advice to residents.
"A tiger trap will be installed in the near future and I hope monitoring and control measures can be carried out immediately to ensure the safety of residents, especially the Orang Asli community who depend on forest resources for their livelihood," he said.
He then advised the public not to enter the area temporarily, to remain vigilant and comply with the authorities’ instructions.
COMP
Sungai Siput, Perak, Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor, Orang Asli, Death, Tiger, Attack, Perhilitan, Perak Exco, Mohd Zolkafly Harun, Wildlife Attack Victim Aid, Tiger Trap
