‘His leg is still injured’: Concern grows as elephant Sulong reappears in Gerik

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 - An injured wild elephant called Sulong, whose journey along Malaysia's East-West Highway has been widely discussed, has reportedly returned to Gerik in Perak, just a few days after reportedly entering a forest in Kelantan. The male elephant was seen this morning with the injury to his leg still visible, based on reports from social media users who encountered him.

Zulfadhli, a user, mentioned that he encountered Sulong at around 9.47am as he was heading towards Titiwangsa. The elephant's leg injury was still evident at the time. Another user, Ramli, also spotted Sulong that morning, noting that the elephant's movement did not seem to indicate a return to the forest. However, people were wary of Sulong, causing them to avoid passing him.

Sulong's continued presence along the highway has raised concerns due to the footage showing him walking with an apparent injury, and his frequent appearances have put him in close proximity to passing vehicles. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, has stated that officers are monitoring Sulong's movements and condition using drones and ground patrols.

Sulong is thought to have originated from Chalil in Gua Musang, Kelantan, before being relocated to a forested area in Gerik as part of a Perhilitan translocation effort. His recent movements have sparked speculation online that he might be attempting to return towards his original habitat in Gua Musang.