Malaysian officials look for 'Bigfoot' after claim of sightings
January 2, 2006
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Authorities began searching the jungles of southern Malaysia for the mythical "Bigfoot" after a reported sighting of three giant human-like beasts, officials said.
Wildlife authorities may set up cameras in the 309-square-mile Endau Rompin National Park in Johor state to see if the creatures do exist, they said.
Park director Hashim Yusof ventured into the jungle Friday to survey the site where three fish farm workers reportedly saw the beasts -- two adults and a young one -- last month, Hashim's secretary said.
The fish farm workers were in the jungle to clear an area for a fish pond. They alerted their employer, who photographed what appeared to be footprints measuring up to 17 inches, said Lim Teong Kheng, the chairman of the Malaysian Nature Society in Johor.
He said brown hair reeking of body odor was also reportedly retrieved nearby, and a broken tree branch at the site appeared to indicate the creatures were some 10 feet tall.
Lim welcomed the investigation by the national park, saying "Bigfoot" sightings have been reported for decades in the area.
"Nobody dared say anything in case people say they are out of their minds," Lim said.
"Bigfoot" is a popular name given in the United States to giant hairy creatures walking on two legs. Sightings of such beasts are reported in many parts of the world but never confirmed.