JOHOR BARU: Residents of Kampung Maju Jaya along Jalan Sakura here are grappling with a group of wild monkeys that have not only damaged crops and stolen food, but have now started snatching clothes, increasing anxiety in the neighbourhood.
Resident Abrizah Abu Bakar, 60, said the disturbances began at the start of the year and remain unresolved despite complaints to the authorities.
"The monkeys often gather on our rooftops and have grown bold enough to enter homes, damaging property," Abrizah said.
"They even disturb our pets, such as cats and Serama chickens, which we keep in cages by the house.
Abrizah said the monkeys' aggressive behaviour disrupted residents' daily lives.
"They have also developed a habit of taking clothes hung outside to dry. We are particularly concerned about the safety of our grandchildren, aged between 3 and 7, who often play outdoors."
She said the number of monkeys has grown, with residents sometimes seeing up to 20 on rooftops, especially in the mornings.
"Authorities need to act swiftly before the problem worsens. My husband almost fell while gardening when a monkey suddenly approached him."
Village chief Roslan Hassan echoed Abrizah's concerns, urging the Wildlife and National Parks Department to step in.
He said some homes in the village were near oil palm plantations, the monkeys' natural habitat.
"The problem arises when their habitat is threatened. We hope the relevant agencies will take appropriate action," Roslan said.
Another resident, Zainureena Zainuddin, 29, expressed frustration over the monkeys' destructive behaviour, particularly their habit of rummaging through garbage bins and leaving the area in disarray.
"They constantly dig through trash, leaving the place filthy," she said.
Residents are calling for an effective solution to prevent further disruptions and ensure their safety.