A black panther has once again been spotted roaming near a petrol station and the Pengkalan Gawi Rest and Recreation (R&R) area in Terengganu, raising fresh concerns for motorists and workers after the wild animal reappeared more than a week after its first sighting.
The latest sighting, which occurred on Saturday night, quickly went viral on social media after road users recorded videos of the elusive animal wandering along the roadside.
Maintenance worker Mohd Roslan Rosman, 45, said he first learned about the panther through social media last week, but its return to the same location has heightened concerns over public safety.
“The presence of a black panther near the petrol station and R&R is worrying for motorists. It is also dangerous for field workers who may not realise the risks if they are not careful,” he said.
Local resident Mamat Abdullah, 60, said officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) had already been monitoring the area since the initial sighting. However, he believes the nearby dense forest, which serves as the animal’s natural habitat, may also be its regular route.
He urged the authorities to act swiftly, noting that road users and workers in the area could be at risk if the animal continues to roam near public spaces.
Although he was unsure whether the panther had sustained any injuries, Mamat said the viral footage showed the animal walking normally, suggesting it was in good condition. He believes the area may simply be part of the animal’s movement corridor before returning to the forest.
At the same time, he stressed that any action taken should also prioritise the safety of the panther, warning that the animal could be struck by passing vehicles, particularly at night.
“This is the second time it has been seen patrolling around Gawi. Appropriate measures need to be taken to protect both people and the animal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Perhilitan director Dennis Ten Choon Yung said the department received a report at about 11pm on Saturday regarding a black panther roaming beside the main road in Pengkalan Gawi.
The following morning at around 9.30am, wildlife officers were deployed to install a tiger trap at the location. Dennis said the nearest forest reserves are Hulu Telemong Forest Reserve and Hulu Terengganu Tambahan Forest Reserve, both situated about 500 metres from where the animal was spotted.
He added that a camera trap had already been installed on 7 July, while the cage trap was set up after the latest sighting. Perhilitan will continue conducting regular monitoring in the area as efforts continue to track the animal and ensure the safety of both the public and the protected wildlife.
