Addressing Zoletil Supply Concerns
KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) are employing various methods to catch wild monkeys, including traps, ensuring that the supply of the anaesthetic Zoletil is not a pressing issue, stated Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment.
The recent statements made by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) representative Michael Kong regarding the urgent need for Zoletil for public safety in the Stampin Resettlement Scheme have been met with a firm response from Datuk Len Talif Salleh. According to Len Talif, Kong’s comments are an attempt to stay relevant by creating unnecessary concern over the Zoletil supply issue.
Michael Kong’s Claims
Michael Kong, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, highlighted in his statement yesterday the urgent requirement for Zoletil to manage the situation at Stampin Resettlement Scheme. He expressed that the delays in procuring the anaesthetic were unacceptable and that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) was hindered in its efforts to catch wild monkeys due to the unavailability of the drug.
Kong’s Perspective on the Issue
Kong elaborated on the situation by stating that residents along Lorong 8, Stampin Resettlement Scheme, have been reporting incidents of wild monkeys and snakes entering their homes since early June 2024. Despite the issue being promptly forwarded to the Civil Defence, and SFC dispatching a team to address the problem, their efforts have not yet yielded significant results.
Incident and Public Safety Concerns
In one alarming incident, a resident was attacked by a wild monkey, necessitating hospital treatment. Kong criticized the delay in receiving Zoletil, which he claimed SFC had ordered as early as March but had yet to receive.
Government Response and Alternative Methods
Datuk Len Talif Salleh responded by emphasizing that the SFC and DVS are actively managing the situation and that other effective methods are being employed to catch the wild monkeys. He pointed out that traps and other non-anaesthetic means are being used alongside Zoletil.
Assurance of Action
“SFC and DVS are taking action on the supply of Zoletil. Kong is making an issue just to remain relevant. SFC and DVS will be on site and apart from using Zoletil, other ways are also being deployed as well, for instance, the use of traps,” Len Talif said in a statement.
Broader Implications
The situation at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme highlights the broader issue of human-wildlife conflict in urban and suburban areas. The use of various methods to capture and relocate wild animals safely is a critical aspect of managing these conflicts.
Importance of Zoletil and Alternative Measures
While Zoletil is a valuable tool for the humane capture of wild animals, the use of alternative methods such as traps ensures that operations can continue without interruption due to supply issues. The government’s proactive approach in using a combination of methods reflects its commitment to public safety and effective wildlife management.
Moving Forward
As Sarawak continues to develop and expand, interactions between humans and wildlife are likely to increase. The SFC and DVS’s ability to adapt and employ multiple strategies in dealing with such issues will be crucial in maintaining public safety and protecting wildlife.
Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation
The ongoing efforts by the SFC and DVS to monitor and manage wildlife interactions will require continuous adaptation and innovation. Ensuring a steady supply of essential tools like Zoletil, while also developing and implementing alternative methods, will be vital in addressing the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Conclusion
The debate over Zoletil’s supply underscores the complexities of wildlife management in urban areas. By employing a range of methods, the Sarawak government is demonstrating its dedication to public safety and effective wildlife control, ensuring that incidents like those in the Stampin Resettlement Scheme are managed swiftly and humanely.