GOLFERS usually need to keep an eye out for bunkers, water hazards and the occasional stray ball.
But golfers at a club in Kerteh, Terengganu, apparently had a much larger obstacle to contend with – a 250kg Malayan tapir.
It was claimed that the animal had wandered onto the grounds of the Petronas Kerteh Golf and Recreation Club before wildlife officers were called in.
Did a tapir really stray onto the golf course?
VERDICT:
TRUE
An adult male Malayan tapir was captured at the Petronas Kerteh Golf and Recreation Club and later relocated to its forest habitat on Thursday (Oct 22).
Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Dennis Ten Choon Yung said the department received information about the animal at about 11am.
Four officers from the Kemaman district Perhilitan office began the operation at about 12.30pm, using a drone to locate the tapir.
"Monitoring revealed that a tapir was in the area before the capture and relocation operation was carried out," Dennis said in a statement.
He said a physical examination found the animal to be healthy and free of injuries before it was released back into the forest.
The adult male was identified as a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and was estimated to weigh about 250kg and measure 160cm in length. – Bernama
