SOME 1,000 residents around Taman Bukit Mewah in Johor Baru want the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to do something about wild boar which are threatening their lives.
Zone A Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) chairman Shamsudin Baharon, 45, said the animals had also destroyed crops.
He said immediate action was needed to ensure the safety of the residents.
“Recently, I nearly collided with one of the animals while travelling early in the morning. I am worried that something similar would happen to other road users which could result in injury.
“We are also worried that these animals would enter our houses, the school or the nearby surau,” said Shamsudin.
Retiree Mohd Radzi Shahudin, 65, said the banana trees he planted at the back of his house were often damaged by the animals, which had discouraged him from fruit-farming activities.
He added that swift action was necessary before the animals began breeding which would then make it difficult to control them.
“Just imagine driving along a road and the animals suddenly stand in your path.
Motorcyclists face a bigger danger because a collision can be fatal. We hope Perhilitan will take the appropriate action,” said Radzi.
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Johor Perhilitan director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said the department had received a complaint regarding the threat of wild boar in the residential area.
“We had previously conducted operations to shoot the animals in the area, but it is difficult to eradicate them totally.
“However, we will continue to take the necessary actions periodically to help resolve the issue,” said Jamalun when contacted by NSTP.