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RESIDENTS of three neighbourhoods in Kelantan are living in mounting fear as wild Macaques invasions grow more aggressive, causing injuries and significant property damage. Two individuals – including a teenage boy – were recently hurt in separate encounters, while one elderly woman was hospitalised with internal bleeding after falling during an attack.
The incidents, which occurred within a span of three days in Taman Berkat Jaya and Kampung Kubang Lebur, have intensified calls for urgent intervention from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Some 300 residents across Kampung Kubang Lebur, Taman Berkat Jaya, and Taman Batu Lada are now taking precautionary measures, such as keeping windows shut and avoiding drying laundry outdoors, to prevent Macaques incursions.
Mohd Affandi Ab Ghani, 59, a retired civil servant and long-time resident of Taman Berkat Jaya, said the problem has worsened significantly in recent months.
“The macaques come from the nearby forest. They don’t just rip open rubbish bags – they’ve even opened our online shopping parcels,” he said. “They’ve broken water pipes and damaged our roofs by running across them.”
He noted that the primates often appear in large groups during the morning and evening, making it unsafe to leave waste outside or leave windows open.
In neighbouring Kampung Kubang Lebur, Nur Aida Bachi, 41, described this year’s Macaques activity as the most aggressive she’s witnessed in over 20 years.
“These Macaquess are fearless. They break parking lights, fight each other on rooftops until they bleed, and they’re not afraid of people,” she said. “We no longer put out rubbish and have to dispose of it directly to avoid attracting them.”
She said Perhilitan had installed traps two weeks ago but that Macaques numbers remain high and disturbances persist.
Abdullah Ibrahim, 56, another resident, said the Macaquess have raided his property for eggs and harassed joggers in the area.
“It’s not fruit season, so they’re hungry and becoming more aggressive,” he said. “We need stronger action to protect residents.”
Teen and Elderly Woman Injured in Separate Incidents
On Thursday morning, 16-year-old Muhammad Afif Mohd Affandi was injured after crashing his motorcycle while fleeing from a group of Macaquess near his home in Taman Berkat Jaya.
“I saw about ten macaques ahead. Just as I was about to throw rubbish into the bin, a large macaque lunged at my hand,” he said. “I sped off, but hit another macaque and crashed.”
The teenager suffered injuries to his head, shoulder, waist and thigh, and required three stitches. He was taken to Hospital Sultan Ismail Petra by his father.
His family, who has lived in the area since 2007, said this was the first physical attack, though they had long endured macaque-related disturbances.
On Tuesday, 62-year-old Zaiton Omar was hospitalised for four days after collapsing and striking her head while attempting to chase away macaques eating soursop fruit in her garden.
“I tried to scare them off with a broomstick, but one of the male Macaquess charged at me,” she said. “I turned to run, but fell just outside the front door.”
Zaiton suffered injuries to her head, elbow and knee. She also has a heart condition and requires regular medical follow-ups.
She said the macaques have previously entered her home, once slipping through window grilles to steal eggs from the kitchen.
Authorities Monitoring Situation
Kuala Krai District Police Chief Superintendent Mazlan Mamat confirmed that police are working with Perhilitan to address the issue.
“Traps have been placed in several affected areas. The situation is under control for now, but we urge the public to remain vigilant and not take matters into their own hands,” he said.
“Any incidents should be promptly reported to the authorities for swift action.” - May, 31, 2025