Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government should look into formulating a law to protect villagers from falling victim to wild animals, especially elephants, the Sabah State Assembly was told.
Datuk Masiung Banah (Independent-Kuamut) said there are laws to protect wildlife, but the situation will be difficult for residents when wild animals which are protected by laws destroy crops and endanger the lives of villagers.
“Many residents in my area suffered huge losses when their padi and oil palm holdings were destroyed by wild elephants. Some even lost their lives while protecting their crops.
“They are worried about killing the elephants as they fear prosecution, so the government needs to do something in this matter,” he said.
when debating the Sabah Budget for 2023.
He said the proposed law could have provisions for the State Government to give a form of compensation such as crop or cash aid to residents who were victims of attacks by wild animals.
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