A DAP assemblyperson has proposed that wild animals including monkeys which encroach into human habitats be killed but this suggestion was swiftly opposed by his party comrade.

"Monkeys even come into our houses and if they are people exercising they will follow their actions," said H'ng Mooi Lye (DAP-Jawi) during the winding-up speech by state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh at the state assembly today.

"So they should be killed instead of being allowed to disturb humans. They even disturbed a four-month-old baby," H'ng claimed.

"At a local school, monkeys stole packets of instant noodles which were meant for the students," he added, obviously annoyed with the monkey business.

His proposal, however, was shot down by Satees Muniandy (DAP-Bagan Dalam), who said, "the monkeys should not be killed but captured and sent to nearby forests, like Bukit Panchor."

Replying to the duo, Phee said according to the Penang Forestry Department, there were three new complaints about monkeys and seven involving wild boars in Sungai Dua.

Yesterday, Zulkifli Ibrahim (PKR - Sungai Aceh) lamented that monkeys have eaten his cat and wondered aloud if he would be next.

Phee, who oversees the state welfare, caring society and environment portfolio, said the Foresty Department will from time to time act upon complaints about wildlife-human conflict in Penang.

Two approaches

In 2017 alone, nine joint operations were carried out and from January to July this year, four were conducted successfully throughout Penang, Phee added.

"Action has been taken to address the conflicts like the placing of traps at the locations where the complaints were made," said Phee.

The Sungai Puyu assemblyperson noted that there were two approaches or standard operating procedures to tackle the issue.

"The Forestry Department either keeps the animals in an existing habitat without any interference from humans or reduces the conflict between animals and humans," he said.

"With these approaches by the Forestry Department, we believe the conflicts between human and animals can be minimised," he added.