Johor state acts on wild animals menace

The Star 17 Jul 10;

NUSAJAYA: The Johor government have taken several measures to tackle the problem of monkeys and wild boars that are driving Pekan Nenas residents up the wall.

Johor Energy, Water, Communication and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said that on Feb 14 2008, the state exco meeting decided to freeze all hunting and capturing licences on protective wildlife.

“However on Nov 23 last year, we decided to reopen the licence to shoot wild boars especially to individuals who have problems with these animals.

“This will help those who are affected to handle the problem of wild boar destroying their crops,” he said during his adjournment speech at the state assembly here.

He added that the Wildlife Department are working closely with Rela, local authorities, village councils and licenced gun owners to take action against these wild boars.

He also said that according to the department database, only three reports were made on monkey attacks from two villages: Kg Melayu Bukit Panjang and Kg Bakar Arang.

“Immediate action has been taken to tackle such problems.

“The department also made several traps to capture and these monkeys will released back to the jungle,” he said urging those who face similar problems to contact the department immediately.

In a separate matter, State Entrepreneur, Cooperative Development and Higher Education Committee chairman Datuk Maulizan Bujang urged students that come from poor families to register with e-Kasih programme immediately.

He said this would allow students to receive financial help from Yayasan Pelajaran Johor (YPJ) when they want to continue their studies in local universities.

Maulizan added that applicants for the YPJ programme must be Johor-born or a resident in the state for five years with an offer letter from local universities.

“They must also be a full time student and must show a receipt of them from the respective university,” he said.

He added that graduate students would receive RM1,000 in aid while those studying for diploma programme would get RM800 and certificate students are given RM500 only.

“Forms to register with e-Kasih can be get at every district offices or go to www.johorbt.gov.my,” he said.