TARANTULAS - one of the major tourist attractions in Fraser's Hill - are facing extinction unless the Government takes proactive measures to check the situation, Tamil Nesan highlighted in a special report.

Bukit Fraser Development Corporation science officer and tourist guide K.S. Durai lamented that some locals were selling the arachnid species to tourists at RM1,000 (S$413.46) each.

He said there was a noticeable decrease in the tarantula population since he started compiling data on their habitat early this year.

He also expressed disappointment that locals and tourists did not heed signboards which prohibited the capture of spiders in the area.