Macaques damage street infrastructure on Upper Thomson Road

Residents and commuters in the Upper Thomson area have reported encounters with macaques damaging street infrastructure, prompting a response from the National Parks Board (NParks). The primates have been observed removing components from lampposts and other public installations along Old Upper Thomson Road.

NParks confirmed the incidents but characterised them as isolated cases rather than part of a broader pattern. The agency has not indicated whether the macaques' behaviour stems from foraging, territorial marking, or other causes typical of the species in urban environments.

The National Parks Board said it will maintain surveillance of the situation and continue efforts to manage wildlife-human interactions in the area. Residents are advised to exercise caution when encountering wild animals and to report any incidents to NParks for assessment and response.

The incidents reflect ongoing challenges posed by wildlife populations in developed areas across Singapore, particularly as urbanisation continues to encroach on natural habitats. Macaques are commonly found in forested and semi-urban zones throughout the island.