Singapore: The public has been warned to avoid approaching or taunting monkeys when encountering primates in public.
Raffles’ Banded Langur (RBL) Working Group – named after a critically endangered monkey found only in Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve – released the guidelines on Wednesday (Feb 9).
The suggestion came after a video widely shared on social media showed a student trying to retrieve his belongings from two macaques.
In the video, first uploaded to TikTok, the student can be seen talking to the monkeys and asking them to return his bag and documents. Screams could also be heard as he tried to approach them but was driven away.
The teenager finally managed to retrieve his belongings before sprinting.
The RBL working group said in a Facebook post that people should be aware of their surroundings, especially where there are monkeys.
“Look around so you and the monkey have plenty of time to avoid each other in case the monkey gets in your way,” the team said.
Nor should the public walk through a group of monkeys. Take an alternate route, walk around them or wait until they leave if possible.
If you are carrying items, keep them close to your chest. Food and beverages must be stored immediately or out of sight.
“Try not to scream, run or make any sudden movements,” the group added.
If the food is taken away by the monkeys, people are advised to give it up.
“be patient”
For critical non-edible items, the group said it was vital that people did not try to snatch or retrieve their belongings. Nor should they taunt or approach monkeys.
The team recommends keeping a distance of two to three meters from animals.
“Monkeys will eventually discard these items if they are not edible. Trust the primatologist. And be patient.
“Please don’t imitate what the students did in the video. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident, but it doesn’t always end like this,” the group warned.
In a separate announcement on its website, the National Parks Board (NParks) said monkeys may be pulled out of forests to find food or explore because they are “naturally curious”.
Sudden movements, direct eye contact, and turning and running are discouraged.
Instead, people should remain calm and quiet before slowly looking away. Hide or discard anything that might attract monkeys, and don’t try to hit animals, NParks said.
“If you have a child, put him/her on your shoulder. This will increase your perceived size, which may deter monkeys from approaching you and your child,” it added.
