NParks clamps down on those who feed monkeys in parks

SINGAPORE: From next month, the fine imposed on those who feed monkeys in parks will be upped from the current S$250 to S$500. National Parks said the number of people being fined has been on the rise since 2006.

The problem with monkey feeding is that it makes the animals reliant on humans for food. And when they become too familiar with humans, the monkeys can sometimes get aggressive.

Feeding them may also result in an unhealthy growth of the monkey population, and some may stray out of nature reserves into residential areas. When that happens, they would often have to be culled.

NParks said it realises enforcement is not the only way to solve the problem, so it has tried educating the public by putting up signs and distributing pamphlets.

Unfortunately, there is a persistent minority that continues to feed the primates.

Under the Parks & Trees Act, monkey feeders can be fined up to a maximum of S$50,000 and/or jailed up to six months.

Alternatively, for those who insists on feeding the monkeys, they can do so when the monkey is behind bars. Usually, their daily diet consists of 2 slice of bread and a cup of water. Once a week, they may get some butter or jam, depending if there are any leftovers.

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However, I'd suggest that the lonely old folks should get the feeding than the monkeys. There are too many old folks being left in the welfare homes without proper attention and care from the public. How about, if the governing body take some of the money they earn from ERP system and use it to help the charity organisations.......

Just a thought...........