Monkeys' antics strike fear, amusement
2009/02/25
THE presence of a group of about 20 monkeys at Hentian Mahkota Parit Simin in Batu Pahat has made the place a popular attraction, but of a different kind.
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| A man and his daughter feeding the monkeys. |
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| Sahar Ibrahim says the monkeys have become an attraction at Hentian Mahkota |
The majority of the public are amused with the presence of the animals, with some of them even bringing food to feed them. However, not everybody welcomes their presence.
That is because the monkeys' brazen act in stealing food from the kitchen of several foodstalls is causing headaches to the traders and visitors in the area.
Visitor Sahar Ibrahim, 41, said the animals' presence had become an attraction at Hentian Mahkota with visitors coming to watch the animal's antics.
"Some of the visitors even brought food with them to feed the animals.
"However, I am still worried because the monkeys are still wild animals and the risk of them attacking people even though there is no report yet of that happening," said Sahar.
He said since the monkeys are used to the people, the animals have become more brazen with some of them stealing food from the stalls and snatching food on the table in front of customers.
This situation is a concern for the public as they are worried that the animals will harass them if they do not get any food.
"I hope the authorities will come and explain to the traders and visitors about the best way to handle this matter though, in my opinion, human and animal can co-exist here. We just need to ensure our safety.
"With a signboard which shows what can and can't be done, the safety of the visitors will be ensured," Sahar said.
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