Straits Times Forum
Online Story
Dec 11, 2009
Feeding monkeys the cause of all that aggression
I REFER to Monday's Forum Online letter by Mr Timothy Chow, 'MacRitchie monkeys getting bolder'.
The aggressive behaviour of monkeys is the outcome of feeding by irresponsible members of the public. Feeding monkeys alters their natural behaviour, and makes them too familiar with humans. As a result, some monkeys become a nuisance, even to those who do not feed them.
Monkey feeding unfortunately persists despite strict regulations and enforcement prohibiting monkey feeding in parks and nature reserves. Last month alone, we caught 24 monkey feeders and they were fined $500 each. Most members of the public are aware of the harm done by monkey feeding, and support tough enforcement in this area.
Should anyone encounter monkeys in their estate, please do not feed them or eat in front of them. Avoid eye contact with the monkeys, and walk away. Let the monkeys return to their natural habitat to forage.
Ang Chiean Hong
Assistant Director
National Parks Board
