Tawau: A proposed elephant sanctuary model in Tawau could be expanded to other districts in Sabah if it proves effective in reducing human-wildlife conflict, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly was told today. Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal stated that the state government is studying the proposal with the Sabah Wildlife Department and other relevant stakeholders as an initial step to address the issue.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is seen as a potential solution to mitigate the ongoing conflicts between humans and wildlife in the region. Dr Andi emphasized that if the model in Tawau is successful, the approach could be replicated in other areas facing similar challenges. He was addressing a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang), who suggested creating a dedicated wildlife area that could also enhance tourism.

In response to inquiries about measures to address wildlife damage to crops and farmers' livelihoods, Dr Andi highlighted that the state government, through his ministry and the Sabah Wildlife Department, continues to implement appropriate strategies. These measures are aimed at managing conflicts involving Bornean elephants, wild boars, monkeys, and other species, with both immediate and long-term strategies tailored to each species' ecology and local conditions.

Dr Andi noted that capturing and relocating wildlife is not a sustainable solution, as it merely transfers the problem without addressing its root causes. Initiatives like the establishment of elephant ranger teams and the fitting of satellite collars on selected elephants are part of efforts to monitor wildlife movements and provide early warnings to communities at risk.

The Sabah Wildlife Department is also engaging in controlled monkey population management in specific areas to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases and ensure public safety. Additionally, wild boar control measures are being implemented in line with legal provisions and risk assessments to address complaints from affected areas.