VIDEOS and images have gone viral on social media claiming to show an adult male elephant wandering by the side of a road in a forested area.
The posts also indicate that the elephant may be injured, with captions and comments suggesting that it is roaming along the Gerik-Jeli section of the East-West Highway since Aug 17.
Is it true there is a wild elephant wandering along the East-West Highway?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said, on Tuesday (Aug 25), that it is aware of the situation and closely monitoring the adult male wild elephant.
A Perhilitan spokesman said the elephant continued to return to the highway despite being herded back into the forest on several occasions.
"We will continue carrying out guiding operations twice daily, during the day and at night.
"The elephant's movements and condition are being monitored," the spokesman said in a statement Tuesday.
Perhilitan also said the elephant was also found to have sustained an injury to its right front leg.
“However, the wound has started to dry and is showing signs of recovery.
"Aside from that, the elephant's physical condition and behaviour remain normal and it is still able to feed and move well," the spokesman said.
"Field personnel have been placed at heightened readiness, while a veterinary assessment will be obtained to determine the elephant’s physical condition, the extent of its injury and whether further action is necessary," the spokesman added.
The elephant recently drew public attention after a video showing the injured animal walking along the highway went viral on social media.
There were also claims on social media that the elephant, known as “Sulong”, originated from Chalil, Gua Musang, and had previously been relocated by Perhilitan from Gua Musang to Gerik to prevent conflicts with residents, including damage to crops.
Perhilitan advised motorists using the East-West Highway to take precautionary measures and to slow down when nearing the Titiwangsa Rest and Recreation (R&R) stop.
“Motorists must follow the instructions of enforcement officers and Perhilitan personnel when passing through monitoring areas.
“They are also advised not to stop to take photographs or videos of the elephant, as this could disrupt traffic flow," the spokesman said.
“Feeding the elephant or leaving food for it along the highway is strictly prohibited.
"Motorists are also reminded not to stop or leave their vehicles if a wild animal, including elephants, is by the roadside, even if they are not displaying aggressive behaviour," the spokesman added.
The spokesman also said that the wild animals should never be provoked.
"Those using the highway, particularly the route around Gerik and the Titiwangsa R&R, are urged to remain vigilant, stay calm and cooperate with the authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.
"Complaints can be channelled through Perhilitan’s hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or via the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) through its official website," the spokessman said.
