SINGAPORE - Marauding monkeys prompted Mr Liang Eng Hwa, MP (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), to call for a townhall meeting with residents at Blk 466A Segar Road on Wednesday night (April 19).

About 90 unhappy and worried people turned up.

The monkeys of Segar Road have left residents worried for their safety.

Amira Aryani, 12, and Nurina Aryani, 15, said they feel scared when they walk around the neighbourhood where they live.

Some residents in the Bukit Panjang estate have been bitten by the monkeys, while others have been chased. Monkeys have also messed up homes which they accessed through windows.

During the meeting, residents were given updates about the measures being taken to address the problem. Residents also provided feedback.

The area's town council has been working with Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and wildlife rescue group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) to resolve the issue. So far, traps have been set up and, more recently, authorities have taken to darting the monkeys.

Mr Liang reminded residents to not feed the monkeys and remain calm when they encounter them.

He also told residents who have been injured by the monkeys to see him with their medical bill. The authorities will be tapping on existing welfare schemes to help residents cope with the medical costs, he said.

Due to the proximity of the residential area to the nearby Zhenghua Nature Park and forested areas, monkey sightings have been reported since August last year. It is only in recent weeks that certain monkeys have become more aggressive.

Residents should call the 24-hour AVA hotline at 1800-476-1600 when they encounter monkeys.