SUNGAI SIPUT - A man is believed to have died after being attacked by a tiger while searching for rattan in a forested area near Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor, here on Monday.
The victim, Zamberi Angah, 42, an Orang Asli man, was found lifeless in a clump of bamboo near a logging track about 200 metres from the spot where the attack is believed to have occurred.
The incident is believed to have happened when the victim and a friend entered the forest within the Korbu Forest Reserve to search for rattan.
It is understood the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) received a report on the incident at about 4.30pm, after which officers from the Wildlife Conservation Unit (UKHM) and Perhilitan Sungai Siput staff rushed to the scene.
A joint search operation began at about 6.30pm, involving officers from the Lintang police station, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), RELA, about thirty villagers and loggers.
The victim was later found at about 6.58pm in a clump of bamboo near the logging track.
An examination at the scene found bite marks on the victim's neck as well as feeding marks on the right knee up to the waist area.
Besides that, signs of a struggle, drag marks, the victim's blood, tiger paw prints and torn pieces of trousers and socks were also found in the area.
The distance between the spot where the attack is believed to have occurred and the place where the victim's body was found is estimated at about 200 metres.
The matter was also raised by the Lintang state assemblyman, who also serves as Perak's rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry exco member, Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun, in a Facebook post on Monday.
He said the incident was deeply distressing and had left a profound impact on the family and local community.
"The deceased was attacked by a tiger while searching for rattan in a forested area with a friend.
"My wife and I also took the time to visit the deceased's family to convey our condolences and extend a small contribution to help ease the family's burden," he said.
He said Perhilitan would help the next of kin obtain the Wildlife Attack Victim Assistance and would also provide safety advisory services to residents.
"A tiger trap will be installed in the near future and I hope monitoring and control measures can be carried out immediately to ensure the safety of residents, particularly the Orang Asli community who rely on forest produce for their livelihood," he said.
He also advised the public not to enter the area for the time being, to remain vigilant and to comply with instructions from the authorities.