VILLAGERS LOSE SLEEP OVER CATERPILLAR MENACE

Villagers lose sleep over caterpillar menace

KAMPUNG Batu 10 in Jalan Tangkak, Muar has been hit by an invasion of the creepy, crawly kind.

For the past week, villagers have been trying to keep caterpillars measuring 2.5 centimetres out of their homes.

Nobody knows where the caterpillars are coming from but the villagers are treating them as their "No 1" enemy, and have been finding all possible ways to get rid of the creepy crawlies.

The caterpillars are getting into their living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and even the ceiling. Villagers complain that contact with the caterpillars causes rashes and skin irritation.

MCA Kampung Batu 10 branch chairman Thor Tee Tian said the caterpillars were usually seen between 7am and 9am and in the evenings, adding that pesticides did not work.

"Of the 90 families in the villages, seven are badly affected. They may have to be relocated should the problem worsen."

Villager Ho Ah Moi, 74, said she had to wage war with the caterpillars for the past week to prevent them from crawling into her house.

"It is eerie to see them in the house. I hope the authorities will do something about it."

Another villager, Tan Swee Mei, 71, used fire and pesticide to kill the caterpillars, but said the effect was minimal.

"I have to seal all possible openings to my house with tissue and paper to prevent the caterpillars from getting in.

"My grandson accidentally touched a caterpillar while playing. He is suffering from skin irritation now," she said.

Tangkak state-assemblyman Goh Tee Tee said he would seek the help of the state Health Department.

SOURCE: NEW STRAITS TIMES (JOHOR BUZZ)