Various methods used to catch monkeys so Zoletil supply non-issue, says Len Talif

KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) are using various methods to catch wild monkeys including with traps, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said as such Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) man Michael Kong’s attempt to make an issue of the supply of anaesthetic Zoletil was merely an attempt to “remain relevant”.

The special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen had claimed in a statement yesterday that Zoletil was urgently needed for public safety at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

“SFC and DVS are taking action on the supply of Zoletil. Kong is making an issue just to remain relevant.

“SFC and DVS will be on site and apart from using Zoletil, other ways are also being deployed as well, for instance, the use of traps,” Len Talif said in a statement.

Kong had called delays in the procurement of Zoletil “unacceptable”.

He claimed that SFC was unable to catch the wild monkeys because they do not have the drug.

“In early June 2024, we began receiving reports from residents along Lorong 8, Stampin Resettlement Scheme about wild monkeys and snakes entering their homes.

“The issue was immediately forwarded to the Civil Defence, and while a team was dispatched by the SFC, their efforts have so far yielded no results,” Kong said.

He said a resident was recently attacked by a wild monkey and required hospital treatment.

According to him, SFC had placed orders for Zoletil as early as March but the drug had yet to be received.