Perak: Every wild animal, including elephants, captured by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) will be implanted with a tracking device or microchip prior to being translocated, said Perak Perhilitan director Yusoff Shariff. He noted that the initiative aims to monitor the animal’s movements before it is released into its natural habitat and to assist the department in identifying whether an elephant has previously been caught and released.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the microchip will allow the tracking of movement and location of wild elephants using satellite technology, especially when they move to new areas or leave their original habitat. The chip will be installed after the elephant is captured and measured morphologically, and then returned to its herd. This method assists Perhilitan in conducting more effective monitoring, as they will be able to trace the animal’s movement.

Yusoff elaborated that the department continuously conducts patrols and regular monitoring to drive away wild elephants, particularly along the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway (JRTB). A dedicated patrol unit monitors and guards the JRTB at specific times, including the use of drones for surveillance. If elephants are spotted, efforts are made to drive them back into the forest.

Regarding a recent case that went viral, Yusoff mentioned that the mother elephant is believed to have since rejoined another herd, but the area will continue to be closely monitored. He added that Perhilitan will increase the number of warning signs along the road to remind and guide motorists on safety precautions.

Meanwhile, a Bernama check at the site where a five-year-old male elephant calf was fatally hit and run over by a container lorry transporting chickens revealed visible signs of the collision. Fresh elephant dung was also observed at the site, indicating that the area is indeed one of the 35 identified hotspots for wild elephant presence, according to Perhilitan.

On Sunday, the incident of a five-year-old male elephant calf being killed after being struck by a vehicle at KM80 of the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway gained attention. A video posted on social media showed a mother elephant remaining at the scene, resting her head on the lorry in apparent grief over the loss of her calf.