Sharifah Mahsinah New Straits Times 22 Nov 10;
JELI: Residents from several villages here have been living in constant fear after tiger pug marks were found near their homes.
The villagers, who are mostly rubber tappers, are afraid to go to their smallholdings for fear of being attacked by tigers, which is nothing new in the district.
Compounding the fear is that the they claim that authorities are not doing anything to protect the residents of Kampung Lubok Bongor, Felcra Berdang, Kampung Renyok and Kampung Chengar Bedil.
Rubber tapper Mek Jah Semail, 69, who survived an attack at Sungai Long here in 2006, was the last known tiger victim in the state. She was the 24th victim since 1992.
Kampung Lubok Bongor village head Che Zaini Mamat said the tiger paw prints were first spotted by his cousin last week, which had led to the villagers limiting their outdoor activities.
Che Zaini, 42, said the sightings had also led to several villagers and foreigners hunting the animal to be sold for its body parts.
"However, it involved only a small number of locals while the rest are from Thailand and Myanmar. They are hunting it as they are paid well for it," he said, when met at his home in Kampung Lubok Bongor.
Security guard Mazlan Mamat, who lost his wife in a tiger attack in 2002, said the government should look into reports of the tiger sightings seriously for the safety of the people.
"Many rubber tappers are afraid to go to their smallholdings now because of the recent sightings. We hope that the relevant agencies will take quick action to prevent the loss of another life," said the 45-year-old father of seven.
Mazlan's wife Nik Mariam Ibrahim, was mauled by a tiger while tapping rubber at her smallholding in Felcra Berdang, here.
Meanwhile, sources said illegal hunters could make between RM12,000 and RM45,000 for each tiger killed.
"Almost all parts of the tiger are used. The meat is a favourite at restaurants, especially across the border, while the skin could be made into handbags and other accessories," said the source.
