Human-elephant conflict in Johor causes over RM1mil in losses annually
Human-elephant conflict in Johor causes over RM1mil in losses annually
Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi, New Straits Times
March 16, 2025
See link
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/1189312/human-elephant-conflict-johor-causes-over-rm1mil-losses-annually
for photo.
There are over 100 reports of conflicts between elephants and humans in
Johor, causing damage totalling RM1.1 million each year.
In a Facebook post, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the
state, which is home to approximately 120 to 160 wild elephants, is
committed to finding a balanced solution balanced solution that ensures
both the conservation of wildlife and the safety of its residents.
Onn said that during his recent visit to the Johor Elephant Sanctuary
(JES), he was briefed on the short-term, medium-term, and long-term
approaches to ensure a balance between ecosystem conservation and the
state's development.
"The short-term measures include increasing patrols and monitoring in
hotspot areas, relocating elephants to more suitable areas, and adding more
personnel from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan)
to form an early action team that will enhance surveillance and address
complaints more swiftly.
"For medium-term measures, it includes installing satellite collars to
monitor the movement of wild elephants and building physical barriers in
the permanent forest reserves to protect areas from elephant encroachment.
"For long-term measures, it includes establishing an elephant food bank
along the elephant corridor to provide alternative food sources and reduce
agricultural encroachment, as well as strengthening JES as a conservation
centre that also supports ecotourism and biodiversity research," he said.
Onn said all these efforts were not only aimed at ensuring the safety and
well-being of the local community but also at protecting the elephant
population as a natural treasure that needs to be preserved.
"The state government, in collaboration with government agencies, private
sectors, and research institutions, is committed to finding sustainable and
effective solutions.
"Elephant conservation is not just a responsibility but a trust to ensure
the harmony between humans and nature is maintained.
"With the implementation of a comprehensive strategy and the support of all
parties, I am confident that the issue between elephants and humans can be
resolved. I hope that all these efforts will yield positive results."