14-05-2025
Elephant crossing zones identified in several Kelantan districts
KOTA BARU: Several areas in Kelantan have been identified as elephant crossing zones, including main roads and exit routes from the state.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Mohamad Hafidz Rohani said these locations are commonly used by herds of elephants emerging from nearby forests to cross public roads.
"Aside from the East-West Highway connecting Jeli and Gerik in Perak, the districts involved include Jeli, Gua Musang, and Kuala Krai.
"As part of our safety measures, we have installed warning signboards along these routes to alert the public," he said.
He added that the signboards serve as a reminder for motorists to reduce their speed and remain vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk when elephant movement is more frequent.
Hafidz said the department would continue to monitor the situation closely and urged drivers to exercise caution to prevent any untoward incidents involving both humans and wildlife.
He also advised the public to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands when encountering wild animals, as doing so could pose safety risks.
Complaints or sightings can be reported to Perhilitan through its hotline at 1-800-88-5151.
On Sunday, a male elephant calf, estimated to be five years old, was killed after being hit by a truck on the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway.
Videos and photos of the incident went viral on Mother's Day, showing the mother elephant trying to free her dead calf trapped under the truck, evoking emotional responses from the public.
Following the incident, Perak Wildlife personnel had to sedate the mother elephant after she refused to leave her calf for over five hours.
