Sulong the elephant moves into Kelantan forest after days along Gerik-Jeli highway

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Following days of sightings along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB), a wild male elephant known as Sulong has now entered a forested area in Kelantan, according to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan). Director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim reported that monitoring indicated Sulong was no longer detected along the JRTB heading towards Jeli.

To keep tabs on the elephant's whereabouts and health, Perhilitan personnel have been utilizing drones and conducting routine ground patrols. He emphasized that the department is aware of public concerns over this matter, and personnel are actively monitoring Sulong's movements and condition via drones and ground patrols. The deployment of drones at strategic spots will assist in tracking the elephant's location and movements.

Kadir stressed that any rescue or handling operation could only be conducted once Sulong was in a suitable and safe location to prevent additional risks to the animal, personnel, and the public. He also requested motorists to heed instructions from enforcement officers and Perhilitan staff, refraining from photographing or filming the elephant, as stopping vehicles could hinder traffic flow. The public was prohibited from feeding or leaving food for Sulong along the JRTB.