TANAH MERAH: More than 70 villagers in Kampung Padang Kijang have suffered losses after their fruit crops and household items were damaged by kera (long-tailed macaques).
The attacks, which residents said began several months ago, usually occur in the early mornings and late evenings.
For Mariah Ashaari, the nuisance has become a daily ordeal.
“The monkeys not only destroyed my guavas but also damaged items in my kitchen.
“Almost every day, they come to our village.
“Just last Saturday, more than 10 of them entered my house through the roof while I was away at a community event.
“When I came back, my kitchen was in a mess.
“Before this, they would feast on my guavas just outside my home,” said the 55-year-old single mother when met today.
Mariah, who lives with her 15-year-old youngest son, said she has tried several ways to keep the monkeys out, including putting up netting and wire fencing at the doors.
Kampung Padang Kijang Rukun Tetangga chairman Mohamad Nor Hassan, 65, said villagers have lodged complaints but the cages provided to trap the monkeys were insufficient.
“We hope the authorities will act quickly.
“There is also a two-hectare pineapple project belonging to the Rukun Tetangga, planted in April, which has also been affected by the monkeys.
“The damage is not just to homes but also to our livelihoods.
“We really hope the problem can be resolved soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Wildlife director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said the department had received the report of the attacks on Aug 7 and has sent a team to investigate.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
