More rampant monkey sightings in Punggol, primatologist calls for action

Long-tailed macaques have been spotted multiple times in Punggol, leading local primatologist Andie Ang to urge authorities to monkey-proof the area.

In February, a video posted to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings showed a troop of monkeys hanging around 435B Northshore Drive in Punggol.

The person who uploaded the video added that residents had to close their windows and doors to keep the monkeys out of their homes.

Dr Ang, president of the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore (JGIS), said JGIS volunteers have been visiting Punggol estates more frequently over the past two weeks to monitor the monkey situation.

JGIS is a registered charity that educates the public about animals and the environment and advocates for local primate species through education and conservation efforts.

Dr Ang told Mothership she recently saw monkeys rummaging through an open garbage bin at 657B Punggol East.

She added that the bins contained discarded Chinese New Year snacks, which the monkeys were enjoying.

Residents had also left oranges lying around instead of disposing of them properly, providing "easy food access" for the monkeys.

She noted that the bins in the estate were not monkey-proof, with large openings allowing monkeys to climb in and search for food. Monkey-proof bins typically have lids that monkeys cannot lift.

The National Parks Board (NParks) told Mothership it is working closely with the town council to recommend solutions. These include more frequent estate cleaning, monkey-proof bin designs, and educational posters for residents.

Under the Wildlife Act, feeding wildlife is illegal in Singapore. First-time offenders can be fined up to $5,000, while repeat offenders can be fined up to $10,000.