Gerik: The Perak Elephant Sanctuary at Jalan Raya Timur-Barat (JRTB) is expected to be completed by 2030, said Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff. He stated that the RM40 million project had been submitted to the Economy Ministry on May 6, and the decision on its construction falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal government. Yusoff mentioned that if all proceeds smoothly, the sanctuary could begin operations as early as 2028, with full completion anticipated by 2030. The establishment of this facility aims to reduce human-elephant conflicts at JRTB by about 50 per cent.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources announced the development of the Perak Elephant Sanctuary (PES) at Batu 11, JRTB in Gerik, back in 2020. Perhilitan’s records show that from 2020 to 2024, there were 4,919 complaints of human-elephant conflicts, resulting in property losses estimated at RM39.4 million.

Yusoff also discussed the effectiveness of a wildlife crossing at the JRTB. The 200-metre crossing, known as a viaduct, was constructed for RM26 million in 2015. While it has been beneficial, it does not fully ensure the safety of elephants in the area. This is because the crossing is located at Kilometre 157 of the JRTB and primarily used by elephants inhabiting that specific region.

He explained that the viaduct offers limited assistance and is utilized only by animals in its vicinity. Therefore, the establishment of the sanctuary is seen as a means to provide greater safety for both road users and elephants along the JRTB. Yusoff also mentioned the possibility of constructing additional wildlife crossings along the JRTB, contingent on the availability of specific funding.