Elephant raids result in smallholder losses

Mohamad Isa showing some of the oil palm trees that were destroyed by elephants at Felda Bukit Tongkat in Kluang.

THE presence of a group of elephants at Felda Bukit Tongkat in Kluang, Johor, has caused thousands of ringgit in losses to oil palm plantation smallholder Mohamad Isa Murah, 63.

He said the elephants destroyed at least 300 of his oil palm trees, leaving him with only about 120 trees at the 4.05ha plantation.

“Elephants have been roaming around for many years but have never caused any problems here.

“However, since last November, they have been seen more often and have even started destroying our trees.

“The elephants have wandered into my plantation at least three times, the most recent in March. I believe they are from two herds.

“I am very frustrated. I think they are still in the area as there have been complaints from other smallholders,” said Mohamad Isa.

He has decided not to plant any new trees until the elephants have been caught.

The motorcycle belonging to Mohd Zainol’s son was destroyed after it rammed into an elephant in the dark.

“I want to put up an electric fence to keep the elephants out but I cannot afford the RM30,000 for it.

“Multiple reports have been made to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) but it has yet to capture the elephants,” he added.

According to Mohamad Isa, residents from Taman Sri Lambak, which is located near Felda Bukit Tongkat, have also been having problems with elephants since last month.

“Perhilitan captured three elephants from Taman Sri Lambak, but I am not sure if they are from the same group that has been causing havoc here,” he said.

Farmer Mohd Zainol Abu Bakar, 49, said his son was injured in April last year after he crashed into an elephant while making a delivery on his motorcycle to Taman Sri Lambak.

“It was dark and he did not see the elephant. He tried to stop but failed to do so in time and ended up ramming into the elephant,” he related the incident.

He said his son suffered injuries to his right hand and had to undergo surgery at Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom.

“I am grateful that the elephant did not attack my son.

"I hope that the elephant was not injured,” said Mohd Zainol.