Monkey steals bun from store, escapes by scaling escalator at King Albert Park MRT

A second episode of macaque-related mischief was caught on camera at King Albert Park MRT station.

In a video taken by a Mothership reader, a long-tailed macaque was seen stealing a bun from a convenience store, and then fleeing on an escalator.

This comes just days after a long-tailed macaque — it's unclear if it was the same one — was seen scaling the same escalator, in a bid to avoid an SBS Transit staff member.

Monkey business

The incident took place in the morning of Oct. 23, 2024.

The reader said that she saw the monkey leave the convenience store with the packaged bun in its mouth.

It then hopped up onto the escalator and scaled it with ease, before making its great escape.

Mothership has reached out to SBS Transit for comment.

Handling macaques

The long-tailed macaque is one of Singapore's native primate species, and naturally inhabits forested areas, according to the National Parks Board (NParks).

However, it also frequents its immediate surroundings to explore and forage for food, and is "innately curious".

Once conditioned to recognise plastic bags and other containers as food sources, macaques may instinctively grab these items when they see them.

As such, members of the public are advised not to feed them, and to minimise contact with them, NParks said.

Here are some tips on what to do if you encounter a macaque:

• Remain calm and quiet. Do not make direct eye contact, sudden movements, and do not turn away and run.
• If you're holding an object that is attracting it, hide it or throw it away.
• Never try to hit the monkey.
• If you are at home, without cornering the monkey, hit the ground with a stick or spray a strong jet of water at the monkey to lead them towards the exit.

Alternatively, you can call NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for assistance.

Top image from Mothership reader