Terengganu: 'Awang Kolam', a bull elephant, has been relocated to the Royal Belum State Park, as confirmed by the Terengganu Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director, Dennis Ten Choon Yung. The operation involved over 24 personnel, including experts from the National Elephant Conservation Centre (PKGK) in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, and the Johor Elephant Sanctuary (JES), and commenced at 9 am today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the relocation process, which lasted approximately three hours, faced challenges such as weather and environmental conditions. The bull, named 'Awang Kolam' by local residents, was initially captured on September 10 and was tamed with the assistance of two female elephants, Abot and Sanum, from PKGK in Kuala Gandah. The extraction proceeded smoothly, and the bull was loaded onto a lorry by 11:30 am for transport to its new habitat. Safety concerns were paramount during the operation, given the wild nature of the elephant.

Ten highlighted that the operation's success was due to the collaboration of various parties, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which managed the crowd present since the early morning. The bull, which leaves a significant 15-inch footprint, is reported to be in stable and healthy condition following its relocation.

From January 1 to the present, Terengganu Perhilitan has executed 10 wild elephant relocations across the state, each costing over RM60,000. These operations are deemed necessary to ensure public safety and protect property, as elephants often wander into residential areas and plantations.