Chemor:Perak The Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has initiated intensified measures, including overnight patrols, to tackle the issue of wild elephants intruding on farms in Bukit Bangkong, Chemor. These actions follow risk assessments in response to reports of elephant encroachments since September 27.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perhilitan's director, Dr. Pazil Abdul Patah, outlined that the department's response includes monitoring activities and providing safety advice to affected farm operators. Investigations revealed that the group of elephants, estimated to comprise two to three animals, has been identified through footprints and signs of foraging.

Reports indicate that 12 farmers from the Bukit Bangkong Agricultural Land Operators Association have appealed for swift intervention by authorities, as these elephants have damaged approximately 9.7 hectares of agricultural land. The elephants were detected in the area on September 27, October 3, and October 11.

Dr. Pazil advised affected farmers to apply for aid under the Property and Crop Loss Assistance Scheme (BKHT) to mitigate the impact of property and crop damage. Farmers are encouraged to submit relevant documents, including farm ownership proof, photographs of the damage, and reports of estimated losses. Any compensation would depend on the approval of the relevant committee.

He also noted that elephant movements into agricultural zones could be driven by factors such as natural migration routes, food availability, and changes in land use. Regarding the option of relocating the elephants, Dr. Pazil explained that translocation is not automatic and requires a comprehensive technical evaluation of the threat level to humans, emphasizing that it might not address the underlying causes if influencing factors persist.