General : Perak Studying Elephant Food Zones To Reduce Human-wildlife Conflict – Exco

IPOH: Perak's government is exploring the idea of an elephant food bank to address growing human-elephant conflicts. State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chief Teh Kok Lim revealed that the plan could involve creating designated buffer zones within the elephants' roaming territories. Teh said collaboration between the Forestry Department and Perhilitan would be necessary to identify appropriate locations for the initiative.

He emphasized that the proposal is being evaluated amid concerns about the expanding elephant population and dwindling natural habitats. The suggestion comes as the animals venture into human-populated areas more frequently, especially during fruiting seasons. Teh acknowledged that while the approach may not always succeed, as elephants prefer roaming freely, the idea remains under consideration.

Perak currently lacks an elephant food bank, which is available in neighboring states like Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, and Kelantan. Teh assured that action would be taken to support farmers whose fruit orchards have been raided by wild elephants, particularly during the fruiting season.