Perak Perhilitan monitoring elephant herd after crop destruction complaints

IPOH, October 21 — In a recent report by the Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), it has been revealed that the department has received six official complaints this year from local oil palm farmers in Kampung Perlop 1, Sungai Siput. The complaints stem from wild elephants destroying crops and plantation infrastructure.

The director of Perhilitan, Dr Pazil Abdul Patah, stated that the herd is believed to consist of three to eight elephants, likely originating from the Korbu Forest Reserve, which surrounds the area.

The elephants that have been causing trouble have originated from the Piah Forest Reserve in Lenggong and have since divided into smaller groups. The same herd has also recently invaded fruit orchards around Bukit Bangkong and Chemor on October 15. Both locations are within the range of the Korbu Forest Reserve, according to the Perhilitan director.

This year, the elephants have destroyed crops spanning over 80 hectares since early September. Earlier this month, 18 oil palm smallholders requested urgent intervention from the authorities to address the elephant incursions, which have destroyed crops on 80 hectares of land. Additionally, 12 farmers in Bukit Bangkong appealed for assistance to protect their 9.7-hectare fruit orchards, which have been facing persistent threats from elephants.

Dr Pazil emphasized that the Perhilitan is actively monitoring the movements of the elephant herd to determine the most effective approach to resolve the conflict. In the long term, the department plans to identify conflict hotspots, strengthen early reporting systems, and expand community awareness programs.

To resolve the issue, Dr Pazil advised affected smallholders to report incidents promptly to Perak Perhilitan, enabling the processing of applications under the Property and Crop Damage Assistance (BKHT) scheme in accordance with the established requirements. The applicants must provide details such as the plantation's location, the type and estimated cost of damage, the date of the incident, and supporting documents like photographs and proof of land ownership or tenancy.