Johor: A total of 76,361 wildlife conflict complaints involving estimated losses of RM58.7 million were recorded nationwide between 2021 and May this year, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, of the total complaints, 9,063 were reported in Johor, with losses amounting to RM7.5 million. The minister emphasized the urgency of addressing such conflicts as they not only cause damage to crops and property but can also result in injuries and loss of life. He was speaking at the Johor Elephant Sanctuary.

Arthur highlighted a worrying trend in human-wildlife conflicts involving species such as macaques, elephants, wild boars, Malayan tigers, and tapirs. He attributed the increasing incidents to habitat loss due to land-use changes for agriculture, plantations, and development of infrastructure like roads, dams, and urban areas.

He noted that elephants, for instance, require expansive roaming areas ranging from 10 to 250 square kilometers, depending on food availability and herd composition. To address these issues, the ministry has implemented various initiatives, including the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP) and the establishment of elephant sanctuaries and the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) in Lanchang, Pahang. Additionally, elephant electric fencing systems have been installed.

In Johor, a special committee was formed last year to coordinate efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. Collaborative efforts involving the Johor state government, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), the Transport Ministry, and the Railway Assets Corporation are deemed crucial, particularly for managing uncontrolled elephant crossings along the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Railway at specific hotspots.

During the event, Arthur also presented Wildlife Attack Damage Assistance (BKHT) totaling RM79,600 to nine recipients.