About 200 reports over 7 months about monkeys in Punggol: NParks

From Sep. 1, 2024, to Mar. 31, 2025, the National Parks Board (NParks) received around 200 "feedback cases" regarding Long-tailed macaques in Punggol.

In response to Mothership's queries, NParks group director How Choon Beng stated the reports include sightings, intrusions into homes and rummaging of rubbish bins.

Since 2023, NParks has implemented a sterilisation programme for the macaque population at the Punggol vicinity, including Coney Island Park.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee previously shared that 50 monkeys were trapped in 2024.

How shared that the majority of the 50 macaques trapped were sterilised and released back to Coney Island Park as part of its long-term management effort.

"The remaining aggressive macaques that were not suitable for translocation were euthanised humanely."

NParks also carried out habitat enhancement efforts in Coney Island Park by planting more native fruiting species after observing the monkeys foraging and feeding on the fruit of mature trees, said How.

"NParks has been working closely with the Town Council, providing posters, and recommending measures such as increasing the frequency of estate cleaning and implementing monkey-proof bin designs."

Loitering

In February 2025, at least 25 monkeys were spotted loitering around a few blocks at Punggol Northshore.

Residents who spoke to Mothership in March 2025 shared that they have seen the animals rummaging through trash, loitering along the nearby park connector, as well as climbing on the balconies of some of the Housing Development Board (HDB) units.

One elderly woman even recalled being chased by a monkey and having to hide in a nearby public toilet.

Residents shared that they've seen similarly large troops at Waterway Sunrise, with one man claiming to have seen troops of up to 30 individuals.

He said that the monkeys typically appear in the morning, and he sees them when he goes for a jog.

He has also observed the monkeys searching for food in the rubbish bins, which has resulted in rubbish being strewn across the floor.

Advisory

Should macaques approach members of the public in the open, NParks advises remaining calm and quiet, as stated.

Do not make any sudden movements or maintain eye contact with them. Instead, look away and back away from the area slowly. Avoid the area until the macaques have left.

The monkeys also often associate plastic bags with the presence of food and may be triggered to snatch plastic bags from humans when they see them.

NParks strongly advises members of the public to keep plastic bags out of sight of the macaques when spotted.

Members of the public may also call the 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for any wildlife-related issues.

NParks will also continue to conduct enforcement patrols against wildlife feeders, as feeding wildlife is illegal in Singapore.

Under the Wildlife Act, first-time offenders caught feeding wildlife could be fined up to $5,000, and repeat offenders could be fined up to $10,000.

Top photos via Reddit & Silas Silas/Facebook