Villagers living in fear of wild jumbos

Too close for comfort: Jubir pointing to the fence brought down by a herd of wild elephants in Kampung Jekjok. — Bernama

GUA MUSANG: Residents in Pos Brooke here are in fear as wild elephants have continued to wander into their villages and destroy their crops since January.

Kampung Jekjok village head Jubir Sekmo, 52, said the latest incident occurred last Sunday when a wild elephant entered the compound of the Orang Asli Development Department administrative office and quarters.

“This problem has been going on for the past two years and has become more frequent, causing us to suffer losses when our orchards are destroyed.

“Elephants have been constantly invading Kampung Brooke, Kampung Cekau and Kampung Jekjok since this month,” he told Bernama in Pos Brooke yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Orang Asli chief Bidi Ronggeng said four wild elephants were often spotted roaming into the villages, believed to be looking for food.

“I have advised the residents to be careful and report the sightings of the animals to Perhilitan (the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department),” he added.