GEORGE TOWN: The Wildlife Department has initiated investigations into an incident where a group of monkeys were poisoned to death in a forest near a residential area at Jalan Bukit Kukus, Air Itam, here yesterday.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the department said initial investigations showed nine dead monkeys were believed to have been poisoned.
The department, however, said it was still investigating the type of poison used and why they were poisoned.
"We have initiated a probe into the matter following public complaints.
"Initial investigations point to elements of poisoning," it said.
The case is being investigated under Section 86 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) as long-tailed macaques are protected under Act 716.
Earlier today, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) condemned the incident of the poisoned monkeys.
Video footage and photos of the monkeys, some lying motionless while others in their last breath, have since found their way into social media.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow described the act of poisoning and killing the monkeys as ruthless and cruel.
He said if the monkeys were making noise, they could be chased away rather than poisoned to death.
He added that if the monkeys were harassing the nearby residents, they could lodged a complaint with the Wildlife Department, which can catch the monkeys and release them back into the wild.
"But to poison the monkeys, it is a heinous act," he said.
Subbarow also told the person responsible not to repeat such an act.
A police report has been lodged over the incident.