Monstrous
CryptoZoo => Sightings! => Topic started by: Devious Viper on April 28, 2006, 02:18:39 PM
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The southern Malaysian state of Johor has threatened to jail foreigners who
venture into its jungles looking for a legendary ape man dubbed Big Foot. The
state's Forestry Department says Big Foot enthusiasts found on its land without
a permit will face up to three years jail or a fine of up to $2,500.
The hunt for Big Foot has gripped Malaysia after a spate of sightings. Now
authorities are determined that if the ape man exists, Malaysians will be the
first to find him. Malaysians are being invited to pay just over $1 for a permit
to roam around Johor state's forest reserves, where most of the reported
sightings have taken place.
The state also plans to sponsor a scientific expedition, and although Malaysia
has few primate specialists, foreigners will again not be invited. Local tourism
industry leaders told the BBC the ban on non-Malaysians entering forest reserves
was daft and should be rethought.
The country hopes to lure 20 million foreign visitors next year and its main
attractions are its beaches and its jungles. Tourism bosses say the move will
simply confuse and possibly drive away just the people they want to attract.