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

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The male elephant known as Sulong, which has been making headlines after being seen along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway, has relocated to a forested region in Kelantan, according to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), reported Kosmo! Online. Assistant Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim confirmed monitoring indicated Sulong was no longer present along the JRTB heading towards Jeli.

Perhilitan teams have been utilizing drones and frequent ground patrols to keep a close eye on the elephant's whereabouts and well-being. The department is well aware of the public's concerns and has dispatched personnel to monitor Sulong's movements and condition through both aerial and ground surveillance. Drones have been operational at strategic points to track the elephant's movements and location, complemented by ground monitoring by Perhilitan personnel.

Abdul Kadir emphasized that any rescue or handling efforts for Sulong could only be initiated once the elephant was in a secure and appropriate setting, to prevent further risks to the elephant or potentially endanger the safety of operation personnel and the public. He also appealed to motorists to adhere to instructions from enforcement personnel and Perhilitan officers, and to refrain from photographing or filming the elephant, as stopping vehicles could lead to traffic congestion.

Additionally, members of the public were instructed against feeding Sulong or leaving food for the animal along the JRTB.