KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) captured five wild bull elephants in Kampung Dendong, Batu Melintang in Jeli today. Its director Mohamad Hafid Rohani confirmed the capture following complaints from local residents regarding disturbances caused by the wild animals yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hafid detailed that a team from Jeli and the Kelantan Elephant Capture Unit executed an operation to capture the elephants. He stated that the relocation operation and release of all five male elephants to a more suitable and safer location will be carried out soon. The operation saw support from personnel from the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre in Lanchang, Pahang.

Mohamad Hafid noted that the capture has brought relief to residents, helping to prevent further losses due to crop and property damage caused by the elephants. He emphasized that capturing and relocating the elephants is not a long-term solution, as the farms are near t
he Gunung Basor Permanent Forest Reserve (HSK), where the population of wild elephants is believed to exceed 50.

He suggested that residents, particularly farmers, implement mitigation measures such as installing blue LED lights along known elephant pathways and keeping their land clear to avoid overgrown areas. Mohamad Hafid also advised the public to be cautious if they encounter wildlife and to avoid actions that could endanger their safety.