A resident of a Perak Orang Asli village was injured after being attacked by an elephant while trying to drive away the herd from his crops.
PUTRAJAYA: A resident of Kampung Orang Asli Perjek in the Legap Resettlement Scheme (RPS), Sungai Siput, Perak, was injured after being attacked by an elephant while trying to drive away a herd that had entered the village last Friday.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia said personnel from its Sungai Siput district office were deployed to the scene after receiving a report of the incident at about 10 pm to gather preliminary information and investigate.
Investigations found that four elephants had entered the area behind villagers’ homes and fed on cassava and banana crops.
“The victim and several villagers attempted to drive the elephants away, but he got too close to the herd and was suddenly attacked by one of the animals.
“The victim sustained injuries, suffered bleeding and lost consciousness,” PERHILITAN said in a statement.
It added that the victim was rescued by villagers and is receiving treatment at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
The department said drone monitoring confirmed the elephants had left the village, adding that appropriate management measures had been taken to reduce the risk of further human-wildlife conflict in the area.
It also said it would assist the victim’s family in applying for aid under the Wildlife Attack Victim Assistance initiative administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Following the incident, PERHILITAN advised the public not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with wild animals, particularly elephants, as doing so could put their safety at risk.
Wildlife-related incidents may be reported through the PERHILITAN hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or via the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) on the department’s official website.
