Measures to Protect the Young and Elderly from Monkey Invasions of Urban Environment

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether in planning of responses to monkeys in the urban environment, NParks has considered the proximity of monkey invasions to residents' homes, nursing homes and places of care for the elderly, preschool and childcare facilities; and (b) what measures are available to assist residents, especially children, who may be attacked or injured by monkeys.

We adopt a community- and science-based approach to managing the monkey population in Singapore. As part of these efforts, NParks closely monitors the geographical distribution of monkey-related feedback, taking into consideration their proximity to places such as residential homes, nursing homes and childcare facilities.

NParks also conducts research to better understand the population trends and distribution of monkeys and uses the findings from these studies to inform its measures to manage the monkey population. For example, at monkey hotspots, NParks carries out habitat modification by replacing or harvesting fruit trees. This reduces the availability of food for monkeys. In addition, NParks works closely with other public agencies, grassroots organisations and Town Councils to engage the community on proper refuse management and to deter illegal wildlife feeding. Through such efforts, we work with residents to mitigate the presence of wildlife in their estates.

NParks also partners the Long-tailed Macaque Working Group, which includes stakeholders such as academic experts and members of the nature community, to jointly develop and implement measures for monkey management. This includes monkey guarding, which NParks carries out in partnership with residents and other volunteers, to deter troops of monkeys from approaching residential areas.

In areas where individual monkeys display more intrusive or aggressive behaviour, NParks intervenes more strongly to protect public safety. This includes trapping and translocating such monkeys away from residential areas. In the longer term, NParks is also looking at population control measures such as sterilisation. Should NParks receive feedback on a monkey-related attack or injury, we will also assist the affected individual where we can.

NParks will continue to partner key stakeholders on its public engagement and outreach programmes. These include talks at preschools and childcare facilities near hotspots, engagement sessions in neighbourhoods and public webinars. Through these science-based programmes, residents can learn how to recognise the different facial expressions of monkeys, better understand their behaviour and respond to them safely.

All of us have a part to play in minimising wildlife intrusions and keeping our community safe. We can do this by refraining from feeding wildlife, keeping our residential areas clean and appreciating wildlife from a safe distance.