Gerik: An Orang Asli man was injured yesterday after a close encounter with an elephant while riding his motorcycle along Jalan Kampung Pengkalan Permai in the Air Banun Resettlement Scheme (RPS), Gerik

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gerik district police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman stated that a report on the accident was received at 4.26 pm. Investigations revealed that at around 9.30 am, a 34-year-old Orang Asli man and his 30-year-old younger brother, each on a motorcycle, ventured out to forage for forest produce.

Abdul Samad explained that the elder brother, leading the way, spotted an elephant by the roadside and managed to pass it safely. Unfortunately, the younger brother, who was riding with a pillion passenger, could not pass the elephant in time and stopped to avoid danger.

'The elephant suddenly grabbed him, causing him to tumble into a ravine, while the pillion passenger escaped unharmed,' Abdul Samad added. The victim sustained injuries to his face and body and was sent to Taiping Hospital for treatment.

He advised road users to exercise caution while travelling along the Air Banun RPS area, as wild animals may appear on or cross the roads.