PETALING JAYA: A 43-year-old Orang Asli man was found near a logging road in Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor, Sungai Siput, Perak, after he was believed to have been attacked by a tiger.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) said investigations were still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It said a report was received at about 4.30pm yesterday, prompting personnel from its Sungai Siput district office to search the area and conduct preliminary investigations.
The search operation was carried out with the cooperation of the police, Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (Rela), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and local residents.
Based on initial information and observations at the scene, the victim was found in an area near a logging road.
Perhilitan said signs of a struggle were also found at the site, about 200m from where the victim was discovered.
However, the department stressed that investigations were ongoing to establish the cause and actual circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Any further conclusions will be made based on the findings of the investigation and evidence obtained in the field,” it said in a statement today.
Following the incident, Perhilitan personnel have intensified monitoring and inspections in the area, including looking for signs of tiger activity and gathering information from nearby residents.
The department has also begun installing traps at areas identified as suitable as part of efforts to manage the situation.
Further action will be determined based on the outcome of the investigation and an assessment of the risk to the safety of the local community.
Perhilitan said it viewed the incident seriously as it involved the safety and lives of residents in the area.
It added that coordination with the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa), police, state authorities and local communities would continue to be strengthened to ensure effective measures were taken to manage human-wildlife conflict.
Residents living near the area have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering forests or areas showing signs of tiger activity, particularly alone.
They have also been advised not to approach, chase, capture or take any action against any tiger that may be spotted.
“Members of the public who spot a tiger or signs of its presence, including paw prints, roaring sounds or animal carcasses suspected to have been killed by a tiger, should avoid approaching the area and immediately contact Perhilitan at 1-800-88-5151 or through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) on its official website,” it said.
Perhilitan also extended its condolences to the victim’s family and said it would continue taking appropriate action based on its investigation and risk assessment to reduce the risk of further human-wildlife conflict.
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