IPOH: The Perak Elephant Sanctuary at East-West Highway (JRTB) is expected to be completed by 2030, says Perak’s Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff.
He said the RM40mil project was submitted to the Economy Ministry on May 6, and the decision on its construction falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
“If everything goes smoothly, I think this sanctuary can operate as early as in 2028, but for (the infrastructure facility) to be fully completed, perhaps 2030 is a more realistic target.
“With the availability of such a facility, it will reduce human-elephant conflicts at JRTB by about 50%,” he said.
Bernama reported on July 18, 2020, that the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry announced the development of the Perak Elephant Sanctuary at Batu 11, JRTB in Gerik.
Based on Perhilitan’s records, 4,919 complaints of human-elephant conflicts were reported between 2020 and 2024, with property loss estimated at RM39.4mil.
On the effectiveness of a wildlife crossing at JRTB, Yusoff said the 200m underpass (viaduct) that was built for RM26mil in 2015 proved helpful, but does not guarantee the safety of elephants that inhabited the area along the route.
He added that this was because the crossing was built at KM157 of the JRTB, and only used by elephants living nearby.
“The viaduct only helps on a small scale, and is only used by animals inhabiting that area. So, we feel that the setting up of a sanctuary will provide greater safety assurance for both road users and elephants at JRTB,” he said.
