KOTA KINABALU – Kuamut’s independent assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has called for a law to protect people in the event of an elephant attack.
During the state assembly sittings here today, Masuing said no law currently provides compensation to victims of elephant attacks.
“The villagers cannot receive any compensation, whether the damage (by elephants) involves casualty or damage in properties or crops.
“On the other hand, villagers will be punished by the law if they are found guilty of hurting an elephant,” he said.
Masiung said human-elephant conflicts are rampant in Kuamut, and he hopes for the government to study all existing laws and consider tabling a bill to protect the villagers who have become victims of elephant attacks.
Earlier, Masiung urged the Sabah government to emulate the unity government at the federal level and work together to develop Sabah.
“The people have grown tired (of political turmoil) and we are in the middle of economic recovery. Let us use the opportunity (of the unity government) and be in line with the federal government.
“This is the best opportunity for the Sabah government to coordinate with the federal government; claim for Sabah’s rights,” he added. –The Vibes, November 28, 2022
