Perhilitan Captures Three Wild Elephants in Jeli to Prevent Crop Damage

KOTA BARU — The Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) captured three wild elephants in Kampung Kuala Balah, Jeli, following complaints from locals about crop damage.

Kelantan Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said the elephants were causing significant destruction to crops and property, prompting action from the Jeli district Perhilitan and the Kelantan Elephant Capture Unit. The operation, which aimed to prevent further damage, was successful.

"The capture has eased concerns among residents," Mohamad Hafid said. "We will relocate and release the elephants to a safer habitat with help from the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Pahang."

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce human-elephant conflicts, including advising farmers on mitigation measures like installing blue light devices, clearing overgrown crops, and setting up an Elephant Electric Fence System (SPEG).

However, he cautioned that relocating elephants is not a permanent solution due to the area's proximity to the Stong Utara Permanent Forest Reserve.