Otter attack prompts temporary closure of recreational park in Malaysia
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On Sept 11, Ms Mariasella Harun was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after she was attacked by a pack of otters while jogging along the Perdana Park tracks.
PHOTOS: SABAH INFO/FACEBOOK
KOTA KINABALU – The large presence of otters at Malaysia’s Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru has forced its operator to temporarily close the recreational park for safety reasons.
An image of a red and white notice by the park operator that reads “Perdana Park is now closed for safety reasons until further notice. Thank you.” has been circulating on social media. There was also an announcement by Kota Kinabalu City Hall.
The order for closure was issued by the city hall in response to an incident on the morning of Sept 11, where the presence of aggressive otters posed a threat to parkgoers.
Mayor Sabin Samitah confirmed that a notice was distributed to the park operator to suspend activities until further notice.
He stressed that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors while the council, in collaboration with relevant agencies, conducts investigations.
“The council takes this incident seriously and has acted swiftly to close Perdana Park to avoid any further incidents,” he said, urging the public to comply with the closure for their own safety.
On Sept 11, Ms Mariasella Harun was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital after she was attacked by a pack of otters while jogging on the Perdana Park tracks.
Two other joggers came to her rescue, but they were also attacked.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Niun said this was the first otter attack reported in Sabah, and that it was unusual for this generally harmless animal to exhibit such aggression.
But he noted that otters tend to be aggressive when they feel threatened or provoked.
A red and white notice by the park operator has been circulating on social media.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Otters, a protected wildlife species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, have been spotted in several other recreation parks in Kota Kinabalu of late, particularly those closer to riverine areas and lakes.
“As a precaution, we advise the public not to approach the otters, even though they do not typically attack humans,” said Mr Niun.
“Please do not feed, pet or provoke them in any way.
“This is also to avoid any disease transmission and to maintain the otters’ well-being.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
