3,325 complaints of human-elephant conflict from 2015-2021: Takiyuddin

KUALA LUMPUR – All parties must work together to protect and conserve the habitats of elephants, which are categorised as a fully protected species here, said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

Based on the Peninsular Malaysia Wildlife and National Parks Department’s (Perhilitan) records, he said a total of 3,325 complaints of human-elephant conflict had been reported from 2015 to 2021, while as of June this year, a total of 435 similar complaints had been reported.

“The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry through Perhilitan views seriously the need to ensure the survival of elephants and is committed to intensifying conservation efforts for elephants and their habitats,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the World Elephant Day celebration today.

There are two subspecies of elephants in Malaysia, namely Elephas maximus indicus, which can be found in Peninsular Malaysia, and Elephas maximus borneensis (the pygmy elephant), which can be found in Sabah.

“It is estimated that there are between 1,220 and 1,680 elephants in seven states in the peninsula, namely Kedah, Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.”

Takiyuddin said that based on this year’s Elephant Trade Information System report, Malaysia was identified as a Category B Party (markedly affected by illegal trade in ivory), a better position than in 2019 where Malaysia was a Category A Party (a primary concern).

In an effort to protect the animal population, he said the government’s actions include strengthening the effectiveness of legislation by amending the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and implementing integrated enforcement to combat encroachment, illegal logging, and wildlife hunting.

Efforts to deal with human-elephant conflict also include establishing elephant conservation centres in Pahang, Terengganu, and Johor, and developing an elephant electric fence system. – Bernama, August 12, 2022