JOHOR BARU: With heavier rainfall expected in the coming days, the Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is reminding people to be wary of wild animals that they might encounter.
State director Aminuddin Jamin said the department is expecting more calls from the public regarding the presence of wildlife in their areas due to the northeast monsoon season.
“Normally during a monsoon season, wild animals such as elephants move to higher ground to escape from floods.
“Because of this, there are possibilities of increased human-wildlife conflicts as wild animals move from one spot to another to seek shelter from heavy rain,” he said when contacted.
Last year, the department recorded 1,564 complaints, of which 65% involved monkeys alone, with the remaining complaints involving wild boars and elephants.
Aminuddin advised the people not to do anything drastic if they came across wild animals in their vicinity.
“It is better to contact Perhilitan, or the Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force, if wild animals or snakes enter their homes.
“Perhilitan staff members and personnel from other agencies are trained to capture wild animals,” he said.
Aminuddin also said should anyone sustain injuries due to a wild animal attack, the victim could seek compensation through the Welfare Department.
“They must first file a police report and then provide Perhilitan with proof, based on a medical report, that a wild animal, not a domestic one, caused their injuries.
“Once the department has verified the matter, we will then forward the case to the Welfare Department for compensation purposes.
“However, do not use the compensation as an excuse to get close to wildlife,” he said.
Aminuddin said motorists should pay extra attention, especially when driving through locations known for animal crossings.
“Drivers must be vigilant and follow road rules, especially at night when it is difficult to spot an elephant or Malayan tapir crossing,” he added.
On Tuesday, MetMalaysia issued a warning for severe continuous rain across several regions of the country, predicting heavy rainfall that may result in flooding.
It said severe-level continuous rain is expected in Terengganu, Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi).
These regions are expected to experience continuous heavy rain until Saturday.
An alert-level continuous rain warning has also been issued for Kelantan (Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang and Pasir Puteh), and Pahang (Jerantut, Temerloh, Maran and Bera).
Residents in Negri Sembilan (Kuala Pilah, Jempol, and Tampin), Melaka and Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian, Kulai, and Johor Baru) have also been advised to be on alert for continuous rain and to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts.
MetMalaysia is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide regular updates on weather conditions.
The public can access these updates through the department’s official website and social media platforms.
