ALOR STAR: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has issued a stern warning to the public against taking matters into their own hands in dealing with wildlife conflicts.
The warning came after two young brothers, aged 2 and 3, are fighting for their lives after eating snacks laced with rat poison yesterday.
The snacks were allegedly intended for wildlife encroaching near their home in Kampung Banggol Berangan, Labu Besar, in Kulim.
Expressing his deep regret over the incident, Kedah Perhilitan director Jamalul Nasir Ibrahim reminded the public to consult the department before taking any action against wild animals.
"The installation of monkey traps by residents is their own initiative, but they should have consulted the department first. We will trap the wild animals and relocate them properly.
"We must not allow for that fateful incident to befall other innocent people," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Jamalul also stressed that setting up poison traps is an offence under Section 79 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
"Using poison for hunting wildlife can result in fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both," he added.
Yesterday, it was reported that brothers Muhammad Akil Syauqi, 3, and Muhammad Luth Syauqi, 2, are in critical condition at the Penang Hospital after eating the snacks.
Kulim district police chief Superintendent Mohd Asyil Mohd Khairi was reported as saying the boys had likely eaten the poisoned snacks hanging on a wire fence intended for monkeys.
Meanwhile, Jamalul confirmed that the department has received numerous complaints about monkey and wild boar disturbances in the area.
"From 2021 to 2024, Perhilitan has addressed 18 complaints involving monkeys in Labu Besar where 52 monkeys were removed through traps and culling methods.
"Similarly, nine complaints about wild boars were recorded, with 10 boars culled.
"In Kampung Padang Ubi, the department handled one monkey complaint in October 2021 and one wild boar complaint in August 2022, resulting in the culling of two wild boars," he added.
Commenting further, Jamalul also advised the public to always practice caution when dealing with wildlife.
"Wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous. Please do not think any wild animal is safe. Always refer to Perhilitan before taking any action to avoid an untoward incident," he added.