Wild Elephant Sighting Alarms Residents in Manir, Terengganu

The appearance of a wild elephant has caused alarm among residents in Kampung Pengkalan Gelugor, Jeram, Manir, Terengganu, Malaysia, as the animal has been observed roaming the village and damaging crops.

Mohd. Hazwan Mohd, a 34-year-old resident, described the elephant's presence as a first for the village. He expressed the community's shock and heightened vigilance, citing concerns for their safety and the ongoing damage to their farms and property. "So far, several areas of villagers' gardens have been damaged by this elephant. It's possible it is hungry because it got lost from its herd," he told Mingguan Malaysia.

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So far, several areas of villagers' gardens have been damaged by this elephant. It's possible it is hungry because it got lost from its herd.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Terengganu received a report about the elephant's presence on the evening of the incident. Terengganu Perhilitan Director Dennis Ten Choon Yung confirmed that an inspection by Kuala Terengganu district staff found the report to be valid, noting the elephant had destroyed crops, including banana and sugarcane plants. "The elephant has also been roaming around the village, and this situation poses a safety issue for the residents," he stated.

Initial investigations suggest the nearest forest reserve is Hutan Simpan (HS) Belara, but there have been no previous records of elephant presence in that area. Perhilitan is currently conducting monitoring and control operations in the affected vicinity, collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other security agencies to ensure the safety of the local population.

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The elephant has also been roaming around the village, and this situation poses a safety issue for the residents.