Two Wild Elephants Relocated From Orang Asli Village

SUNGAI SIPUT, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- The Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has successfully relocated two wild elephants that were believed to have destroyed crops and homes in Kampung Orang Asli Talang, Pos Perwor, here.

Sungai Deka Elephant Conservation Centre (SDECC) chief Mohd Happy Mohd Noor said the male and female elephants, aged 20 and 25 years, respectively, and weighing over two tonnes, were captured at around 10.30 am on Feb 5.

The operation, which involved around 20 personnel from Perhilitan's Elephant Capture Unit (UTG) from Perak and Johor, as well as the SDECC, was successfully carried out with the assistance of two female decoy elephants, Suria and Indah.

"This relocation was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved the transfer of the elephant named ‘Yong Shida’ on Saturday (Feb 8), while the second phase, involving ‘Yob Talang’, was carried out today," he told Bernama when met in Kampung Orang Asli Talang, Pos Perwor.

A 50-second video recently went viral, showing a house belonging to an Orang Asli villager severely damaged by the wild elephants. Residents claimed to have suffered losses of around RM20,000 due to damage to furniture and electrical appliances.

Mohd Happy said both elephants, which were in good health, had been relocated to Royal Belum State Park in Gerik.

He also advised residents not to take matters into their own hands or provoke wild elephants, as they could become aggressive and pose a threat to lives.

"The most important thing is to keep plantations and farms clean because overgrown areas can attract elephant herds.

"If you spot wild elephants in any area, report it immediately to Perhilitan for further action," he said.

-- BERNAMA