Hulu dungun: The Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is closely monitoring the presence of a black panther, also known as a melanistic leopard, in Kampung Belimbing, Hulu Dungun. This action comes in response to reports from villagers who have claimed sightings of the animal near their homes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department’s director, Loo Kean Seong, stated that they would first conduct monitoring before deciding on further actions, such as setting up a trap. He urged villagers to refrain from taking any independent action as it might compromise their safety. Instead, he advised residents to report any sightings or evidence, such as fresh paw prints, to the authorities for immediate intervention.

A resident of the village, Tuan Zahari Tuan Lasan, aged 63, recounted his experience of being alerted by the loud clucking of his chickens on Sunday night, only to find a panther preying on one of them. He also mentioned a recent incident where 20 kilograms of meat went missing from a cooler box outside his house, which he initially thought was stolen, but now attributes to the panther. Zahari expressed his concern, saying that the realization of such a dangerous animal being nearby made his blood run cold. He hopes for swift action from authorities to ensure the safety of the village’s 200 residents.