There are only four types of otters that can be found in Malaysia and recently, the smooth coated otters have been spotted in one of the lakes at Subang Ria Park in Subang Jaya.
As reported by SJ Echo, USM School of Biological Sciences Professor Dr Sharul Anuar explained that the appearance of these otters are motivated by the great environment as well a food source that is plentiful.
Source: SJ Echo
Dr Sharul Anuar also noted that these otters are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and hunting them or keeping them as pets without permit can cause the culprit to be charged with a maximum fine of RM100,000 and/or a maximum jail time of three years. Dr Sharul also said,
“Don’t disturb them. Don’t try and feed them especially with human food. Just observe them from a distance and enjoy their presence.”
Source: SJ Echo
He also mentioned that the otters can thrive well in human areas but they need a clean waterbody with enough sources of food. Residents around that area have spotted five individual otters feeding in the lake over the last few months. This is the first time they set eyes on these cuties despite having been living there for decades and have never seen them before.
However, this isn’t the first otter sighting in the Klang Valley – they’ve been spotted in various places over the years. In fact, two wild otters were just recently found at Lake Gardens!
Source: SJ Echo
The presence of otters is a sign that the area has been take care of really well. Kudos to the people living in that area but hopefully no one will get too close to these otters and disturb them.
Also read: Metre-Long Crocodile Spotted in Shah Alam Lake, Public Warned to Be Cautious
