IPOH: An Orang Asli man was injured after being attacked by an elephant while trying to chase away a herd of wild elephants that had entered Kampung Orang Asli Perjek, Rancangan Penempatan Semula (RPS) Legap, Sungai Siput, on Friday (July 17) night, Sinar Harian reports.
The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) told the Malay language daily it received a report on the incident at about 10pm Friday before Sungai Siput district Perhilitan personnel were deployed to the location to carry out investigations.
The department said Saturday (July 18) that investigations found that the incident occurred at about 9pm when a herd of four elephants entered the area behind residents’ houses and ate tapioca and banana plants.
“The victim and several villagers tried to chase the elephants away. However, during the attempt, the victim went too close before he was suddenly attacked by one of the elephants.
“As a result, the victim suffered injuries, bleeding and lost consciousness before he was rescued by villagers,” the statement said.
The 48-year-old victim was then taken by ambulance to Sungai Siput Hospital at about 10.30pm before being referred to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh for further treatment.
Perhilitan said the victim is now reported to be in stable condition.
The department also said drone monitoring found that the herd had left the village area.
“The department will continue to monitor the movement of the elephant herd and take appropriate management action to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“Perhilitan will also help the victim’s next of kin obtain assistance through the Wildlife Attack Victim Assistance initiative under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry,” it said.
The department also advised the public not to take matters into their own hands by chasing away wildlife, especially elephants, as this could pose safety risks.
Perhilitan said complaints related to wildlife conflict can be channelled through its hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) on the department’s website.
