Straits Times 31 May 09;
I refer to the article, 'Heavy fines a bid to stop feeding of monkeys' (May 17).
I live near Lower Peirce Reservoir and find the monkeys in the area both a nuisance and a menace. We have seen the monkeys on our roof, in our kitchen, stealing our bread or any food they can get their paws on.
Some people may find this amusing, but I fear for the safety of my two young children. A hungry monkey will not hesitate to snatch food from the hands of young children; and if the children, out of fear, do not let go of the food, imagine what will happen.
A neighbour was also once bitten by a monkey, which left his finger badly injured. I shudder at the thought of my children in that position.
I have seen irresponsible parents driving up to the Lower Peirce Reservoir area, stopping at the side of the road and throwing bread out to the monkeys, as their amused children watch.
I am all for the heavy fines imposed on those caught feeding monkeys. The authorities should fine - to the maximum - those who feed these animals because such thoughtless acts put others' safety at risk.
Ismiralda Masduki (Ms)
