IT IS not uncommon see a stray cat or wild squirrel in your house compound, but it’s another thing altogether to see a massive elephant chomping on your garden greens.
Is it true that a herd of wild elephants recently intruded into a residential area in Bandar Cheneh Baharu?
Verdict:
TRUE
Over 2,500 residents of Taman Gemilang Peringkat 4 in Bandar Cheneh Baharu are alarmed by the appearance of a herd of wild elephants in the housing area on July 24.
Kampung Peringkat Empat Cheneh Baharu federal village development and security committee chairman Wan Nordin Wan Omar said the intrusion of elephants into the residential area was the second incident this year, the first occurring in May.
He said residents are worried as the herd has become increasingly bold and approached homes in search of food.
"We hope the relevant authorities will take immediate action to drive the elephants back into the nearby forest," he said, reported Bernama.
Resident Johazly Mat Zin said he was awakened by loud noises behind his house at about 1.30am on July 24.
He opened his bedroom window and saw several wild elephants feeding on banana trees.
"I could only watch from inside as I was worried about my family's safety. Fortunately the herd left shortly after," he said.
Resident Mohd Fazli Mat Yusof said five farmers suffered losses exceeding RM30,000 after several durian, rambutan, cempedak, jackfruit and coconut trees as well as fences were damaged by the herd.
Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Dennis Ten Choon Yung said they were monitoring the movement of the herd to prevent them from entering residential areas.
