(MY) relocation of monkeys

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Residents hampering relocation of monkeys - The Malay Mail 19 Jan 2007

by MASAMI MUSTAZA

 

EFFORTS by the Wildlife and National Parks Department to round up the

'homeless' monkeys in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, have hit a snag, no thanks

to residents.

The department claimed that some residents in the area have released

the monkeys from traps set up by the department.

 

Department director Ahmad Azhar Mohamad criticised the actions of

several residents who are slowing down the department's work.

 

He said the monkeys must be rounded up due to lack of greenery in the area.

 

Ahmad Azhar said that his enforcement officers have placed traps near

the cleared forest for the last two days.

 

" We have received complaints from residents who claim that the monkeys

are a nuisance.

 

However, at the same time, there are some residents who want the

monkeys to be left alone, " he said, adding that the area is being

monitored following a break-in into a sugar factory by some of the

primates.

 

He said that though the monkeys may appear 'cute' to the public, they

breed rapidly and can be aggressive, especially when they are hungry.

 

" It's not easy to reach a ROAMING FREE The monkeys who have made Batu

Tiga their home compromise, but it is important that we remove the

monkey population because their habitat is no longer suitable for them

and the lack of food will affect their health, " he said.

 

" We will be relocating them to our animal rescue centre in Hulu

Selangor, Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve in Hulu Selangor and Sungai

Karang Forest Reserve in Kuala Selangor. "

 

Ahmad Azhar cautioned that anyone caught setting the monkeys free from

the traps could be charged with causing hindrance.

 

" If these animal lovers want to help, they can get one as a pet and

apply for a permit from the department, " he said.