IPOH: Locals staying near Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor, Sungai Siput (U), have been urged to stay on high alert amid a report of a tiger killing an Orang Asli man.
A Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) spokesman said an investigation into the Monday incident is ongoing.
“Villagers are advised not to approach, chase, capture, or take any action against a tiger if spotted.
“An investigation is ongoing to determine the facts of the incident,” the spokesman said.
“Perhilitan has taken immediate steps to monitor the area and check for signs of tiger presence.
“We will also gather information from locals, set traps in strategic locations, and handle the situation based on on-site investigations and safety risks to the villagers,” the spokesman said.
The victim, identified as Zamberi Angah, 42, was found dead in a bamboo clump near a logging road about 200m from where the suspected attack took place.
The spokesman said Perhilitan received a report on the incident at about 4.30pm.
“A search operation followed, with the victim being found at 6.58pm. Initial observation found signs of struggle in the location, which is believed to be related to the incident,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman also said Perhilitan would work closely with the Orang Asli Development Department, police, state authorities and local communities to ensure safety and human-wildlife conflicts can be handled effectively.
“Report any sightings or signs of their presence, including footprints, roars or carcasses that are believed to be caused by a tiger to Perhilitan at 1-800-88-5151, www.wildlife.gov.my or the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA).
“Perhilitan expresses its condolences to the victim’s family and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the locals there,” the spokesman added.
Perak rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun also confirmed 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 for the residents,” said the Lintang assemblyman.
“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.
“The people are not to enter the area temporarily, to remain vigilant and to comply with the authorities’ instructions.”
