Days after Punggol resident Gordon Hoo moved into his landed home in Ponggol Twenty-Fourth Avenue in November 2023, a troop of monkeys showed up and climbed up and down his fence and trees. In the months afterwards, the long-tailed macaques would damage plants, steal bread and clothes, and were a general nuisance.
"I had to close all the windows and doors all the time, and, even then, they still come and sit on the balcony or our trees," said the 62-year-old business coach.
Mr Hoo's complaints echo those of residents at a nearby Build-To-Order project in Northshore Drive.
In September, The Straits Times reported that residents there were alarmed after seeing the monkeys at park connectors and climbing up Housing Board blocks.
Their concerns are not unusual, and could arguably just be part and parcel of Singapore's vision of being a "City in Nature", what with forests and parks so close to urban areas.
It is not the first time residents and wildlife have come into conflict. Other animals including otters and wild boars have also made the headlines for destroying property or injuring people.
From 2020 to 2023, the National Parks Board (NParks) received an average of about 8,400 wildlife-related reports each year. Many of these reports involved animals such as monkeys, snakes, bats, civets and monitor lizards.
Such complaints will likely grow more common as Singapore continues to develop, and its green spaces are cleared for housing and other developments.
Esta historia es de la edición November 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
AN ADDS CHINA MASTERS TO OLYMPIC CROWN
Fourth 2024 title cements her world No. 1 status; men's No. 3 Antonsen gets his fifth
The Taiwanese quintet's almost three-hour gig saw each member having his moment at the comeback show
2024 ENERGY IMMINENT LIVE IN SINGAPORE
Matcha shortage in Japan hits Singapore
Some shops here have raised prices on matcha products by 10 to 15 per cent since mid-October
Yan Huichang dazzles in guest conductor stint with SCO
Every concert needs to be special. That seems to be the credo of Cultural Medallion recipient Yan Huichang, who is the artistic director and principal conductor for life of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO).
Iran director in exile says 'bittersweet' to represent Germany at Oscars
Forced to flee Iran, dissident director Mohammad Rasoulof says it is bittersweet that his latest movie will contend at the Oscars under the banner of another country.
Silent films get new reel at London haven
The black-and-white silent movie flickered into life as the pianist started up with a dramatic flourish.
Strong start for Wicked, Gladiator II in box-office battle
Musical adaptation Wicked and action epic Gladiator II generated a combined US$25.7 million (S$34.6 million) from early screenings in America and Canada, setting off the biggest box-office battle since \"Barbenheimer\" - the 2023 movie phenomenon that saw Barbie and Oppenheimer open on the same day.
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau spotted dancing at Taylor Swift concert in Toronto
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) shook it off at American superstar Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto, Canada.
Best New Director nod for Singaporean film-maker Chiang Wei Liang
Golden Horse Awards 2024
Thinking of job options for my grown-up child with special needs
The goal does not always have to be employment. What is more important is participating in the world