I WOULD like to bring to the attention of the temple authorities in Batu Caves, the danger and nuisance created by the monkeys.

I witnessed an incident where a monkey suddenly jumped out and snatched a bunch of bananas from the tray of an old devotee walking up the steps.

The devotee together with his tray of temple offerings fell and the monkey showed no fear, sitting on the steps, enjoying the bananas.

If we try to retrieve items like coconuts, bananas or other fruits, they bare their teeth at us.

They have also learned to drink pasteurised milk from bottles and cartons and are snatching these items too.

My concern is, if this continues, we will soon be overtaken by apes and Batu Caves will slowly cease to be a tourist spot.

I suggest that in order to reduce the problem the authorities should:

> Lure the monkeys away from the steps by creating a food area for them. For this to work, devotees, animal lovers and tourists should not feed the monkeys along the steps;

> Devotees should carry their offerings in bags and arrange them in trays once they reach the top; and

> Erect a strong high fence on either side of the steps , with low voltage electric wire at the top, to prevent the monkeys climbing in and out.

If the public can come forward with more suggestions and ideas, I am sure the temple authorities can put their heads together and do something to prevent the monkeys becoming a threat.

I am sure the cooperation of the devotees and visitors will help the authorities to make Batu Caves a safer and pleasant place to visit.

CONCERNED

Petaling Jaya