In the usually quiet neighbourhood of Punggol, it seems the monkeys have decided to claim the spotlight, by quite literally swinging into resident’s lives the past few months. From rummaging through rubbish bins to popping up on balconies to say hello, and intruding into homes, there has been more than 200 reports of long-tailed macaques from September 2024 to May 2025. Here’s what we know about the monkey takeover in Punggol in Singapore.
What are the monkeys doing in Punggol?
These macaques, native forest fringe creatures, have been increasingly spotted in the northern residential zones of Punggol. This includes areas like Waterway Sunrise and Punggol Northshore. Many residents have reported monkeys loitering, foraging for food, and even climbing balconies. Meanwhile, residents have expressed safety concerns with the presence of aggressive monkeys so close to childcare centres and residential blocks. One incident report stated a monkey nearly attacked a baby earlier this year. So, this has heightened anxiety among families. See the video below posted in Singapore Wildlife Sightings by Silas Silas.
Although, the National Parks Board (NParks) implemented a sterilization programme in 2023 to control the macaque population. In 2024, 50 monkeys were trapped and the majority sterilized before releasing into Coney Island Park. Additionally, some monkeys exhibiting aggressive or intrusive behaviour were humanely euthanized. Plus, the agency enhanced the habitat to encourage the macaques to reduce dependance on urban areas.
Anger over monkey euthanization
Both animal welfare groups and Singaporeans have expressed their anger and sadness over the euthanization of some monkeys. Citizens stated the animals were unfairly punished for behaviour largely driven by human encroachment and poor urban planning. While welfare groups argued that the monkeys, being native wildlife, were simply adapting to shrinking habitats. Plus, they asked for long-term solutions rather than culling and believed authorities resorted to lethal measures too quickly.
NParks advises the public to remain calm if approached by macaques, avoid sudden movements and eye contact, and keep plastic bags out of sight to prevent triggering the animals. Additionally, the agency enforces strict penalties against feeding wildlife, which exacerbates the problem, with fines up to $10,000 if caught.
Recently, macaques were spotted at Lentor Hillock Park prompting concern that the area may face the same human-wildlife conflict seen in Punggol.
Overall, Singaporeans believe there needs to be a better approach when it comes to managing the monkey population in Singapore while safeguarding the public. Has there been any monkey-related incidents in your area in Singapore?
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