KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — An Orang Asli man was killed after he was believed to have been attacked by a tiger while searching for rotan in a forest area near Kampung Takung, Pos Perwor in Sungai Siput yesterday.

Sinar Harian reported that Zamberi Angah, 42, was found dead in a bamboo clump near a logging road, about 200 metres from where the attack was believed to have taken place.

Zamberi was believed to have entered the Korbu Forest Reserve with a friend to search for rotan.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) received a report about the incident at about 4.30pm, after which members of its Wildlife Conservation Unit (UKHM) and Sungai Siput Perhilitan personnel rushed to the location, the report said.

A joint search operation began at about 6.30pm involving personnel from the Lintang police station, Civil Defence Force (APM), Civil Volunteer Corps (RELA), as well as about 30 villagers and logging workers.

The Malay daily reported that Zamberi was found at about 6.58pm in a bamboo clump near the logging road.

An inspection at the scene found bite marks on the victim’s neck and signs that parts of his right knee had been eaten up to the waist.

Signs of a struggle, dragging marks, the victim’s blood, tiger paw prints and pieces of his trousers and socks were also found at the scene, according to the report.

The distance between where the attack was believed to have occurred and where Zamberi’s body was found was estimated at about 200 metres.

Lintang assemblyman and Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun also confirmed the incident in a Facebook post yesterday.

He said the incident was deeply distressing and had left a profound impact on the victim’s family and the local community.

“Allahyarham was attacked by a tiger while searching for rotan in the forest with a friend.

“My wife and I also took the time to visit the deceased’s family to convey our condolences and provide a small contribution to help ease the family’s burden,” he was quoted as saying. 

He was reported saying that Perhilitan would assist the victim’s family in obtaining the Wildlife Attack Victim Assistance and provide safety advice 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, especially the Orang Asli community who depend on forest resources for their livelihood,” he said.

He also advised the public not to enter the area temporarily, remain vigilant and comply with the authorities’ instructions.