Terengganu Perhilitan probes wild elephant sighting, residents advised to stay away

KUALA NERUS: The Terengganu Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) is investigating a report of a wild elephant wandering in Kampung Pengkalan Gelugor, Jeram, today. State Perhilitan director Dennis Ten Choon Yung stated that the investigation revealed the elephant had damaged local residents' crops, such as bananas and sugarcane, while moving through the village and creating a danger to the public.

He cautioned residents not to enter the affected zone or approach the elephant to avoid any dangerous situations. Residents should avoid following the elephant's footprints, throwing things at it, or taking actions that might provoke it, and should yield if the animal crosses their path. Moreover, they are requested to allow the department to conduct control and relocation efforts when conditions permit.

The nearest forest reserve to the incident site is the Belara Forest Reserve in Kuala Nerus, but there have been no prior sightings of elephants in the area. According to Ten Choon Yung, police and other security agencies have been notified and are aiding in managing traffic and resident movements in the region. Perhilitan is also actively monitoring the area before proceeding with translocation actions when the circumstances are appropriate.