If you have been to MacRitchie Reservoir, I’m sure you’ve come across cheeky monkeys that approach you and try to steal your food.
Unfortunately for residents and shop owners living and working in the housing estates of Waterway Sunrise 1, Waterway Sunray and Waterway Sundew, which were located along Punggol Waterway, they have noted seeing monkeys rummaging through the bins, stealing food and sometimes even damaging property.
Monkeys Attracted to Human Food
According to TODAYonline, one bakery and two supermarkets in the area have reportedly had their food stolen from their outlets by the monkeys.
In January 2021, it was reported that there was an increase in sightings of monkeys in the area. Residents back then said that it was mostly confined to the vicinity of Waterway Sunrise 1, which was then still being constructed and not in populated areas.
Nowadays, the monkeys will come out from the forested area just behind Punggol Waterway and Coney Island, making their way through Waterway Sunrise 1, to look for food in flats where new residents have settled in.
The monkeys would then pay a visit to Waterway Sunray, where shop owners have said they last stole food on 11 July 2022.
Avoiding Confrontations
To solve the problem, NParks is enforcing action against people feeding wildlife, ensuring proper waste disposal, harvesting fruit trees and installing monkey-proof fittings. The agency is also studying long-term population control methods, such as sterilization, which will be put into effect once it’s feasible.
NParks also has preventive measures against feeding the primates, with anyone being caught facing a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offence, and a maximum fine of $10,000 for subsequent offences.
Most importantly, if faced with a situation where you are being approached by these long-tailed macaques, remain calm and quiet, do not make any sudden movements or maintain eye contact with them.
Look away and back off slowly, keeping away from the area until they are gone. Members of the public may call the 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for any wildlife-related issues.
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