GUA MUSANG: About 50 Orang Asli from the Temiar tribe in Kampung Bujuk, Pos Bihai, had to build a temporary shed on a hill after their settlement was encroached by wild elephants.
One of the residents, Ajid Anjang, 55, said: “The first incident occurred in October last year. When these wild elephants reappeared, nearly 50 residents were afraid to remain at home.
“That’s why we agreed to temporarily stay in the shed. We feel the hill is the safest, especially for children and the elderly,” he said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Asu Pandak, 65, said he alerted his neighbours to seek refuge on higher ground after he saw wild elephants in the village around 1am on Tuesday.
In October last year, nine Orang Asli families in Kampung Bujuk were forced to flee their homes after wild elephants had not only damaged their dwellings but also their crops.
“We have reported the incident to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) for further action,” he said, Bernama reported.
Kelantan/Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Zarina Razlan said the department hopes to get Perhilitan’s cooperation in dealing with the problem of wild elephants in the village.
