Perak, Perhilitan to tackle rising human-elephant conflicts
IPOH: The state government will hold discussions with the Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to seek a solution to the recurring human-elephant conflict along the East-West Highway (JRTB) from Gerik to Jeli.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state acknowledged the recent developments in the area and is taking the matter seriously.
He said that a study on elephant behaviour would be conducted as part of efforts to address the issue.
"I've discussed this matter with the relevant authorities, and we need to understand elephant behaviour more comprehensively. Recently, we've observed herds of elephants crossing that route together.
"There may be an underlying reason prompting the animals to cross. Therefore, we will consult with Perhilitan, who possess deeper expertise in this area. We need to study the elephants' habits and what triggers these crossings," he said.
He told reporters this after attending the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Perak State Gathering Ceremony at the Casuarina Hotel today.
Saarani said that during the development of the Ganda Agropolitan Project in Gerik, rubber plantations had previously been disrupted by elephants foraging for food.
"In the end, we reached a compromise by designating a specific area for the elephants. This prevented further disturbances. That experience helped us better understand their behaviour.
"So in relation to this incident along the JRTB, I'm not certain of the cause. We need to investigate whether it was due to an accident involving a calf or another factor," he said.
He also urged motorists to remain vigilant when travelling along the route to prevent any untoward incidents.
Yesterday, police suggested that an elephant attack, which damaged a car along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway last night, might have been triggered by a car horn that startled the animals.
This conclusion is based on a report lodged by the 39-year-old owner of the damaged vehicle regarding the incident, which occurred at Km11 of the highway.
Gerik district police chief Superintendent Zulkifli Mahmood said the incident took place at 8.15pm, when the driver, travelling in a Toyota Vios from Jeli towards Gerik, encountered a group of elephants crossing the road.
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