SEREMBAN: The Sri Carcosa community here takes pride in the security arrangement at their affluent neighbourhood.

However, security at the gated community was “breached” – by a 300kg tapir, which coolly entered the area in the wee hours yesterday. And the security guards were literally caught napping.

The residents were shocked to see the animal (tapirus indicus) in their midst, especially since there had never been any sightings of the endangered species in the area previously.

A resident, who did not wished to be named, said the security personnel were dumbstruck when the tapir showed up at the entrance of the gated community at about 2am.

“When they tried to shoo it away, the animal ran into the gated area with the security guards in pursuit.

“However, they had to call for help as they were worried the animal could become aggressive,” he added.

State Wildlife and National Parks director Wan Mat Wan Harun said his team was immediately dispatched to the housing area after they received a call at 7.30am.

“My officers and Civil Defence personnel immediately set up a trap,” he said.

Wan Mat said the tapir was later released into a protected area which came under the jurisdiction of the department.

-thestar