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

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 - An elephant named Sulong, whose journey along Malaysia's East-West Highway has garnered public attention due to an undeniably injured leg, has reportedly reappeared in Gerik, Perak. Social media users reported sightings of the male elephant just days after he was believed to have entered a forested area in Kelantan.

Social media user Zulfadhli noted seeing Sulong at around 9:30 am, stating that the elephant's leg injury remained visible. Another user, Ramli, also passed the elephant that morning and observed its movement, noting that it did not seem like Sulong was heading into the forest. Despite people's fear of the elephant, none appeared to be in immediate danger.

Sulong's plight has drawn concern due to his repeated appearances along the highway, which have brought him close to passing vehicles. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has been monitoring Sulong's movements and condition using drones and regular ground patrols. Sulong is thought to have originated from Chalil in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and was moved to a forested area in Gerik as part of a Perhilitan translocation operation.

Speculation online suggests that Sulong may be attempting to make his way back to his original habitat in Gua Musang.