KUALA LUMPUR: A mother's quick thinking earned her widespread praise online after she successfully protected her baby from a wild monkey.
CCTV footage shared by X user @update11111 showed the woman running across her porch while cradling her baby. She glances back anxiously before making a desperate dash into her home.
Seconds later, a monkey can be seen pursuing the mother and child. The mother manages to get inside the house and slams the iron grille shut with milliseconds to spare. The monkey makes a last-ditch effort to grab them but slams head-first into the metal grille instead. It is knocked back for a few seconds and then turns around and retreats.
The accompanying caption reminded viewers that monkeys are often attracted to young children and advised the mother to remain vigilant, as the monkey had already targeted her house.
The video has attracted over 120,000 views and 1,700 likes, with netizens expressing their shock at the close call that could have ended badly.
User @cdah1945 commented, "Good thing the grille door was already open, as the monkey was fast; even though the woman quickly slammed the door, this was really dangerous."
@mystickeri shared a similar experience involving his nephew, who was playing outside alone when a monkey "scratched his thighs until he needed 12 stitches."
Others urged the authorities to take action, with @fie5foe calling on the Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to take note for "public safety."