RESIDENTS of Pangsapuri Sri Baiduri near Ampang Jaya in Selangor are living in fear following reports of a possible tiger presence in the forest adjacent to their apartment complex, despite no physical sightings of the animal to date.
The concern stems from multiple accounts of hearing what was believed to be tiger growls near the forest edge behind Block F of the apartments. The first report was made last Tuesday, prompting swift action from residents and the authorities.
“Even though I only heard the sound and didn’t see the animal, I’m still worried and afraid,” said Ibrahim Abdullah, 62, Chairman of the Joint Management Body (JMB) for Sri Baiduri Apartments.
According to Ibrahim, a resident alerted him after hearing growls coming from the wooded area. He subsequently advised the complainant to lodge a report with the police and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN).
On Thursday, Ibrahim accompanied two residents and two PERHILITAN officers into the forest to investigate.
“Suddenly, we saw trees shaking and heard two loud growls that resembled those of a tiger. The officers immediately asked us to exit the area,” he recalled.
The team then returned with additional personnel for further checks.
“The experience was nerve-racking. We didn’t see the animal, but the sound alone was enough to frighten us. The entire community is unsettled,” he told Harian Metro at the scene.
As a precaution, the apartment’s management has temporarily closed the futsal court and children’s playground, both of which are located near the forest. Residents, particularly those living on ground floors, have been urged to keep their doors securely locked.
“Even though the premises are fenced, we are still on alert. In my 20 years living here, this is the first time we’ve heard tiger sounds. We’re used to seeing wild boars, monkeys, stray dogs and snakes, but never this,” said Ibrahim, who also noted that sightings of other animals have decreased in recent days.
Fellow resident Haslinda Othman, 48, reported hearing a similar sound on Wednesday evening while near the back of the property.
“I didn’t see anything, just the noise. I told my husband, and he told me to get away from there immediately. I never imagined it could be a tiger,” she said.
Another long-time resident, Aniza Mat Desa, 55, expressed similar concern, saying it was not far-fetched to believe a tiger could be in the area given the surrounding forest.
“We’re relieved PERHILITAN is responding seriously. There are still large undeveloped patches around here,” she added.
The area has seen increased land development in recent years, which some believe may be disrupting local wildlife and pushing animals closer to residential zones.
PERHILITAN has since deployed three camera traps around the apartment perimeter to determine whether a tiger is indeed present. However, no conclusive evidence has been found so far.
According to PERHILITAN Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, “Initial field investigations have not uncovered physical signs such as paw prints or scat. However, claw marks were found on tree trunks, though we are still working to identify the species responsible.”
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and to report any further incidents to authorities immediately. - October12, 2025
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