While the Johor State Department had initially forbidden foreigners from participating in the hunt for Bigfoot, the Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk
Seri Syed Hamid Albar said that foreign experts should be invited to participate in the search. At the same time a local zoologist also added that a
local common name be used -- 'Orang Dalam'
Rope in foreign experts to track
Bigfoot
KOTA TINGGI, Feb 24: Foreign experts should be invited to help in the search for the Johor Bigfoot.
Foreign Affairs Minister and Kota Tinggi MP Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said this was necessary as the search had attracted international
attention.
Speaking after opening an award ceremony for teachers here, he said reported sightings of the hairy creature had benefited the district, especially in
attracting foreign visitors.
Syed Hamid added he was inclined to believe in the existence of the Bigfoot, as there had been many sightings of the creature.
Meanwhile, zoologist Amlir Ayat said it would also help if a common name was used for the Bigfoot.
He felt it would be a good idea to adopt the name "Orang Dalam" used by the Orang Asli, like the name Sasquatch for the American Bigfoot, which
originated from the Red Indians. Amlir said there was also a need to clear the confusion among villagers of mawas or orang utan and the Johor
Bigfoot.
According to the book Natural History of Primates, mawas is used in the Southeast Asian region to refer to the orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) which can
grow to a height of 1.8m.
Villagers in Kampung Mawai Lama in Kota Tinggi said they were familiar with mawas and were sure it was not the same as Bigfoot.
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I'm glad this happened, the Johor State Department's decision to bar foreigners from participating was a foolish one that adds little to the
credibility of this case.