Kluang: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has successfully captured six elephants in the vicinity of Kampung Pinggir, Kluang, as part of the Integrated Elephant Translocation Operation that commenced on Monday. This operation is a strategic effort to address the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon reported that the elephants were captured based on data collected by 2 pm today, following the initiation of the operation in Kampung Sri Lukut. The elephants, some of which are as tall as two meters, are identified as part of a group from the nearby national park that has been causing disturbances in the area.

Ling Tian Soon further elaborated in a Facebook post that the Johor and Peninsular Perhilitan Elephant Translocation Unit (UTG) is actively pursuing additional capture operations. The initiative aims to systematically mitigate human-elephant conflicts in high-risk zones by relocating elephants that intrude into agricultural lands, residential zones, and villages.

Additionally, the operation seeks to preserve the ecosystem through regulated population control outside the elephants’ original habitats. It also serves as an opportunity to gather scientific data, which will inform the development of improved wild elephant management policies.

The Johor government has earmarked RM600,000 for this operation, showcasing its dedication to conservation efforts and managing wildlife conflicts effectively.