Kampung minda: Two banana plantation owners suffered losses exceeding RM20,000 after their crops were destroyed by a wild elephant in Kampung Minda, Hulu Dungun, since last month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the owners, Mohd Samsudin Khalid, 62, reported that the elephant intruded on his one-hectare plantation on Nov 27 and 29 and again on Dec 1. The wild elephant damaged over 700 banana trees, including those with ripe fruits ready for sale and newly planted saplings. Additionally, the elephant caused damage to the perimeter fencing of the plantation, leading to an estimated loss of RM10,000 for Mohd Samsudin.

Mohd Samsudin stated that his banana plants have been subject to wild elephant invasions annually over the past three years, resulting in significant financial setbacks. He mentioned that the same elephants also caused damage to a nearby plantation owned by his friend, with losses similar to his own over four consecutive days from Thursday to Sunday. The village reportedly has around 10 banana plantations.

Meanwhile, the Kampung Minda Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman, Nordin Saman, 53, confirmed that the incident has been reported to the Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) for further action. Nordin highlighted that PERHILITAN personnel have been monitoring the affected banana plantations to track the wild elephants' movements. A report was also filed last April when the animal was seen in the vicinity of the village. Nordin expressed the hope that PERHILITAN can either capture or drive the elephant back to its natural forest habitat to ensure the safety of the residents.