Kemensah WWF-Malaysia Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah wildlife The Malayan Tiger in the National Zoo, Selangor. PIX: MOHD ADZLAN / MalaysiaGazette / 22 DECEMBER 2020.
The Malayan Tiger in the National Zoo, Selangor. PIX: MOHD ADZLAN / MalaysiaGazette / 22 DECEMBER 2020.

By Kumara Sabapatty

AMPANG – The police and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) are tracking down a tiger at Kemensah Heights, Hulu Kelang, after receiving information of a resident spotting the animal at the area.

The efforts to trace and catch the wild animal was kicked off by the Selangor Perhilitan at around 4.00 pm today following the viral information on the spotting of a tiger at the residential area.

The incident raised concerns among the residents of that area.

The Ampang Jaya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Farouk Eshak said that the police stationed at the location did not find any trace of that animal as they did not receive complete information on the incident.

The police did not receive any report on the incident and no witness came forward to testify and assist in the investigation.

“An information went viral on Whatsapp on an incident allegedly, a civilian spotted a tiger at the Kemensah 3 residential area.

“We rushed to the location to investigate the allegation at 12.45 am and the local residents said that the tiger was spotted by a security guard near a lamp post at Jalan Tropika, Kemensah 3, Kemensah Heights,” he said in a statement.

Elaborating further, Mohamad Farouk said that further investigation found that the security guard is a foreigner who was posted as a temporary security guard at the neighbourhood.

“Therefore, we have not received further information on the guard and get hold of them (the security guard and the tiger).

“However, the police have increased their patrol around that area to ensure the safety of its residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Farouk said that the National Zoo also contacted the police, confirming that no tiger escaped the zoo facility under its management.

“At the same time, the police urged anyone who saw the tiger or have information about the incident to come forward and give their cooperation to the police for drastic action.

“The community are also reminded to not spread unverified news,” he said. – MalaysiaGazette