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We refer to the Malaysiakini report Ban on monkey trading lifted .

The decision to export 'problem' long-tailed macaques appears to be a weak attempt to treat the symptoms of the problem rather than addressing the cause. Moreover, it appears to motivated mainly by the commercial incentives of the wildlife trade.

Enforcement is always difficult; it will be impossible to verify that the macaques captured for export are truly 'problem' macaques, and with the hefty price tag offered for each, it is easy to see how 'innocent' macaques will be caught from the wild and sold as well.

The lifting of the trade ban may actually increase poaching of macaques, which also may indirectly lead to poaching of other primates such as leaf monkeys which also have long tails.

Humans are ultimately to blame for our conflict with monkeys; we cut down trees, we litter and leave our trash bins open and we also like to feed macaques. Whether at Bukit Damansara or Batu Caves, we spoil macaques by feeding them for fun.

These actions make them associate humans with food. They then lose their natural fear of humans and turn aggressive. Feeding these animals also risks cross-infections because macaques and humans can pass diseases on to each other.

As long as there are free 'handouts' or accessible garbage, some troops of macaques will continue to visit housing areas and eventually become 'problem' animals.

What the Malaysian Nature Society recommends is to:

  • Stop all trade in macaques

  • Make it an offence to feed macaques
  • Educate the public on the dangers of feeding macaques
  • Encourage people ensure waste bins are secured in 'problem' areas; and
  • Encourage people to view monkeys in their natural state (such as the Kuala Selangor Nature Sanctuary run by MNS).
  • The writer is Selangor branch chairman, Malaysian Nature Society.

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