KINABATANGAN: Villagers in Mukim Batu Puteh have appealed to the relevant authorities to address recurring wild elephant intrusions into three villages in the mukim, which have been occurring since July 25.
Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Mohd Ugi Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman for Mukim Batu Puteh, Azman Amirbek, said the repeated presence of wild elephants entering the villages had caused growing concern among residents, particularly at night.
He said the situation posed a threat to the safety of villagers, their crops, property and livelihoods, as many residents depend on agriculture for their income.
The affected villages are Kg Perpaduan Datuk Mohd Ugi, Kg Batu Puteh and Kg Manggaris, Azman said in a statement, Monday.
Residents believe the elephants have been able to enter the villages due to the ageing control panel and electric fence system, which are no longer functioning effectively.
He urged the relevant authorities to upgrade and repair the TRC electric fence system, particularly at the main entrance junction to the villages, which is frequently used as an access route by the wild elephants.
Residents hope the improvements can be carried out as soon as possible to strengthen the effectiveness of the barrier and reduce the risk of elephants entering residential areas.
The fence was installed several years ago through contributions from a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with the cooperation of villagers, but has since deteriorated and now requires maintenance and upgrading.
Azman also called on NGOs, private companies, community leaders and relevant government agencies to work together to help ease the burden faced by affected residents.
At the same time, he expressed appreciation to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Department for its continued commitment in conducting operations with villagers to drive the wild elephants back to their natural habitat.
He said the safety of residents, protection of property and wildlife conservation should go hand in hand.
“We hope these efforts can be further strengthened so that the elephants can continue to be safely guided back to their natural habitat, while ensuring wildlife conservation is maintained and the safety of residents is safeguarded,” he said.
