KUALA LUMPUR: Wild monkeys have become a nuisance to villagers and among ways to humanely reduce their population is by distributing birth control pills to the primates, proposed a PKR MP.

       Datuk Johari Abdul (PH-Sungai Petani) said wild monkeys have been disturbing villagers in his constituency and the people are often caught in a dilemma, as killing the wild monkeys would be considered inhumane.

       “I’m faced with villagers who don’t know what to do. Killing these monkeys is also an offence.

       “So, I would like to propose to the government that it finds a method – perhaps by giving them (wild monkeys) birth-control pills,” he said when debating the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2021 in Parliament yesterday.

       Johari also said the government should research other ways to humanely address the issue of wild monkeys. “We must carry out research,” he added.

       Johari then gave an account of wild monkeys disturbing villagers in his constituency, where he claimed in one instance, a monkey could open a refrigerator door to steal food.

       “They go after the eggs in the fridge and secondly, they always disturb the kids,” he said.

       “I hope the government will research ways on how to reduce pregnancy among them (wild monkeys). Don’t kill them cruelly.”

       Earlier in the House, Johari proposed that the government initiate the breeding of endangered animals in gazetted forest areas.

       “We should have a suitable location so endangered species can be bred. These places can then be converted into tourist locations,” he added.