KUALA PILAH - In a startling incident earlier today, an Orang Asli couple in Kampung Kalang Meranti found their two pet dogs attacked by a panther.
Amin Kassim and Zawiyah Jeyih, both 53-years-old, were awakened by the dogs' barking around 11 pm.
The animals seemed uneasy and looked toward the forest area across the street from their residence.
Amin noticed that the dogs' tails were folded down, which, according to the Orang Asli community, along with a musty smell, indicates the presence of a panther.
"Around 2:50am, the dogs barked again, and the smell grew stronger.
"Upon opening the house door, we caught a glimpse of the panther's tail before it retreated towards the forest, leaving blood stains and footprints behind," he told reporters at his residence on Monday.
Their two dogs were missing and believed to be victims of the tiger.
"This is the third time the 'pak hitam' has emerged. The first and second incidents were last month, but the official report was only made on May 20 at the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Amin expressed concern about the threat posed to the villagers' lives.
"If all our dogs become victims of pak hitam who will be the next victim? We urge the responsible authorities to take appropriate action to prevent further unwanted incidents," he pleaded.
Sinar Harian previously reported the presence of a panther in a nearby village, Kampung Gachong near Inas, last April.
Footage of the animal attacking a resident's house was captured on surveillance camera.