Gerik: An adult male wild elephant, believed to be named Sulong Chalil, has been spotted roaming along the Jalan Raya Timur Barat (JRTB) since August 17, serving as a reminder of the necessity for wildlife, including elephants, to inhabit large and connected forest landscapes for survival.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the World Wide Fund for Nature, Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) emphasized through a Facebook statement that wildlife corridors are vital. These corridors allow elephants to move safely between habitats in search of essentials like food, water, and shelter. The organization highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy forests and ecological corridors, while addressing issues such as habitat fragmentation and land loss.

The statement from WWF-Malaysia also encouraged stakeholders to enhance measures at known wildlife crossing areas along the Gerik-Jeli highway, using wildlife movement data and conservation science. They urged the public to refrain from stopping their vehicles to approach or feed Sulong, as feeding wildlife may lead them to seek food from people, posing risks to both animals and road users.

Motorists on the Gerik-Jeli highway are advised to slow down and remain alert to wildlife crossing signboards to ensure safety. WWF-Malaysia reiterated its commitment to protecting elephants in Malaysia and expressed concern for Sulong's well-being, hoping he receives necessary care and attention.

The organization acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), which has field personnel conducting twice-daily patrols, including veterinary assessments of Sulong's condition. WWF-Malaysia's field team in Belum-Temengor is also supporting these efforts.

Recent reports indicated that Perak Perhilitan is monitoring Sulong, working to guide him back into the forest. Despite an injury to his right front leg, Sulong's behavior remains normal, and he is still mobile. Videos circulating on social media showed the elephant walking along the JRTB, believed to be filmed by the public.

Sulong is thought to have originated from Chalil, Gua Musang, before being relocated to Gerik's forest area by Perhilitan. However, he seems to have navigated back towards his original habitat using the route.