Monkey Mayhem at Mandai Columbarium!

SINGAPORE – A warning has been issued to visitors at Mandai Columbarium: don't leave food offerings unattended if you want to avoid monkey trouble! The National Environment Agency (NEA) has stepped in after reports of monkey antics during the recent Qing Ming Festival.

An alarming Facebook post on May 1 by Mr. Loke Jun Xiong highlighted the chaos as monkeys swarmed unsuspecting visitors while they paid respect to their ancestors. "A whole troop of monkeys harassed visitors during Qing Ming at Mandai Columbarium this morning. Once they see food, they swarm the area," he recounted.

The frightening encounters left families scrambling to protect their offerings, with some resorting to tossing lighted candles and sand to fend off the brazen primates. "Soon someone will get hurt," Loke ominously warned.

Qing Ming Festival: A Magnet for Mischief

The Qing Ming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important occasion when families honor their deceased loved ones with food offerings, incense, and paper tributes. This year's festivities peaked on April 4, but the observances stretch over twenty days.

NEA's Response: Strategies to Curb Monkey Mischief

In light of these incidents, the NEA has implemented measures to safeguard visitors at the columbarium, located near a nature reserve. They have installed advisory posters throughout the site, urging guests not to leave food unattended.

Furthermore, after prayers, food offerings are cleared away to reduce the availability of tempting snacks for the monkeys. Special rubbish bins designed to thwart monkey rummaging must also be kept securely covered at all times.

Tips for Visitors: Stay Safe and Monkey-Free!

The NEA encourages visitors to arm themselves with knowledge from the National Parks Board’s wildlife advisory titled "What to do when you encounter a long-tailed macaque." Following these guidelines can help avoid dangerous encounters. Here are some essential tips:

- Avoid bringing food or plastic bags to nature areas.

- If approached by a monkey while carrying food, stay calm and walk away slowly; do not attempt to retrieve the item.

- Do not hit the monkey; this may provoke aggression.

- Avoid making direct eye contact, as it can be interpreted as a threat.

With these reminders in mind, stay vigilant and enjoy a peaceful visit to Mandai Columbarium!