Perak: The Perak government will engage in discussions with the state Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to address the rising incidents of human-elephant conflicts along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad emphasized the government’s concern over the recent series of elephant-related incidents occurring along this route. He noted the importance of understanding elephant behavior, as these animals have been observed crossing the highway in groups more frequently.

Saarani stated the necessity of engaging with Perhilitan, given their expertise in elephant behavior, to determine the reasons behind the herds’ frequent crossings. This initiative comes in the wake of an incident where a man’s car was attacked by a group of elephants at KM11 of the JRTB, causing damage to the vehicle but leaving the driver unharmed.

Gerik police chief Supt Zulkifli Mahmood reported that the man’s car sustained damage to the front, rear, and both sides during the incident, but fortunately, the driver escaped without injuries.