Fruit left for elephants by NGO puts drivers at risk on highway
IPOH: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) placing fruit along the East-West Highway (JRTB) is drawing elephants to the roadside and increasing the risk of dangerous wildlife encounters for motorists.
Sungai Petani Response Team volunteer Mohd Amir Faizal said his team, which has been patrolling the area since May 11, has found piles of fruit left at several spots along the 123km highway, which cuts through key wildlife habitats.
"I was once contacted by a representative of an NGO who asked about placing fruits along the highway. I warned them against it, but judging from the photographic evidence we've received, it appears the warning was ignored," he said.
"Volunteers have observed these fruit piles being placed at night in at least three locations – near Titi Gajah, the JRTB Construction Memorial, and close to the Jeli district in Kelantan," he told Bernama.
Earlier, Mohd Amir posted photos on Facebook showing mangoes and bananas placed along the roadside.
The JRTB, which links Gerik in Perak to Jeli in Kelantan, runs through natural habitats for elephants, bears, Malayan tigers, leopards, and tapirs.
He warned that if the practice continues, more people may follow suit, thinking they are helping wildlife.
"Wild animals are meant to forage on their own. Leaving food by the roadside is not only misguided, it's irresponsible and poses a serious danger to road users who rely on the JRTB for their daily commute," he said.
Meanwhile, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff said there are currently no legal provisions to take action against individuals who feed wildlife in such areas.
"To curb this behaviour, we will install more warning signs along the highway to remind the public not to feed wild animals.
"There is no legal provision, including under Perhilitan, that permits enforcement against this act. For now, our approach will be to raise public awareness through education and signage," he said.
– BERNAMA
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